The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Railroad, Mechanical and Engineering Department members employed on BNSF, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway have voted to ratify their respective collective bargaining agreements.
Members voted in favor of the CBAs by 69% for BNSF, 68% for CSX and 62% for Norfolk Southern.
With these agreements ratified, SMART-MD members employed by BNSF, CSX and NS have secured healthcare stability and annual wage increases through Dec. 31, 2029.
The CBAs on each respective rail carrier are essentially identical. They consist of a five-year term that provides for annual general wage increases that average out to 3.5% per year, improvements for paid vacation, and improvements to health and welfare benefits without changing the employee monthly cost-share contribution of 15% of the carriers’ monthly payment rate.
The CBAs also resulted in the creation of a new benefit design for employees who desire to have employee-only coverage under a high-deductible health plan at a reduced monthly cost-share contribution.
