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Rail Bargaining 101

Discover the structured bargaining process that is used to establish pay and benefits for railroaders, keep America’s freight rail industry on track, and ensure our economy continues moving forward.  

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The Process

Railroad negotiations are governed by the Railway Labor Act (RLA), a federal statute that facilitates negotiations between freight railroads and the labor unions that represent rail workers while preventing disruptions to interstate commerce. 

The Issues

See what key topics are discussed during bargaining and how they impact the rail industry and its workforce.


Latest Updates

Freight Railroads Open National Collective Bargaining Process

Arlington, Va. (Nov. 1, 2024) – The National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC), which represents the...

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Freight Railroads Name Jeff Rodgers as NRLC Chairman

Arlington, Va. (Oct. 29, 2024) – The National Railway Labor Conference today announced the appointment...

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Railroad Employees to Pay Less for Health Care in 2025

As Many Americans Face Rising Health Care Costs, Freight Rail Employees Will See Their Premiums...

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Freight Rail Employees Reach New Pay, Compensation Milestones

The average employee tenure at America’s largest freight railroads is more than double that of...

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