UTU, Florida East Coast reach tentative agreements

The United Transportation Union (UTU) and Florida East Coast Railway have reached two tentative four-year agreements covering wages, benefits and working conditions.

One agreement covers UTU-represented conductors, engineers, trainmen and yardmen; the other covers UTU-represented yardmasters. The agreements, which have yet to be ratified, would be retroactive to Jan. 1, 2009, and extend through Dec. 31, 2012. The pacts also would include retroactive pay.

The UTU plans to hold town hall meetings in January to explain the agreements to members prior to a ratification vote.