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Clerks and carmen represented by the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) recently concluded two days of national negotiations with U.S. freight railroads — the first bargaining session since the union and its rail labor coalition partners sought mediation from the National Mediation Board (NMB), TCU officials said in a notice posted on the union's website.

An NMB mediator established ground rules and a timeline for subsequent negotiations through year’s end, according to TCU, which is negotiating in conjunction with the American Train Dispatchers Association, International Association of Machinists, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Transport Workers Union. More mediated negotiation sessions are scheduled through the remainder of the year.

Due to what was characterized as the “record-breaking financial health of the railroad industry, even during a recessionary period” during a presentation at the recently concluded bargaining session, TCU and its coalition partners “expect a good wage settlement” and no concessions in health insurance or other benefits, said TCU President Bob Scardelletti.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Auto Workers (CAW) opened collective bargaining negotiations with Canadian Pacific on Sept. 16. The current collective agreement between the union — which represents 2,200 CP shopcraft workers — and railroad will expire on Dec. 31.

Negotiations are focused on improving job security and obtaining “reasonable” wage and benefit gains, CAW officials said in a prepared statement.