Once ratified, NCCC-BRS deal will close out the current national bargaining round
Arlington, Va. (June 16, 2026) – The National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) today announced it has reached a tentative national agreement with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS). The agreement, which is subject to member ratification, follows the industry-wide pattern ratified by members of eleven other rail unions.
- Wage increases of 18.8% over five years. Based on current inflation projections, this increase will translate to real wage growth for covered railroaders, along with pay certainty for the life of the contract.
- Enhancements to world-class health and welfare benefits with no increase to the employee contribution rate. Employees’ 2026 health care premiums are about $308/month, well below the national average of more than $500/month for employer-provided family coverage.
- Access to more paid vacation time for employees earlier in their careers.
“With this agreement, every union-represented freight railroad employee in National Handling will have a contract that delivers real wage growth, strong benefits, and certainty through the end of the decade,” said Jeff Rodgers, chairman of the National Railway Labor Conference and the NCCC. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together with all of our union counterparts. We also would like to thank the National Mediation Board for its assistance in facilitating this agreement.”
Completing the Bargaining Round
The tentative BRS agreement mirrors agreements already ratified by employees represented by ATDA, BLET, BMWED, BRC, IAM, IBB, IBEW, NCFO, SMART-MD, SMART-TD, and TCU covering the period through Dec. 31, 2029. Once BRS members approve the agreement, the current round of national bargaining will be closed.
The 18.8% wage increase in these pattern agreements builds on the historic 24% wage increase from the 2022 bargaining round. Taken together, these wage increases represent a nearly 50% (compounded) wage increase for covered employees between 2020 and 2029. Under these agreements, average annual wages will rise to $135,000 and average total compensation will increase to $190,000.
About the National Railway Labor Conference
The National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC) is an association representing all U.S. Class I freight railroads — and many smaller freight and passenger lines. Through its NCCC, the NRLC leads national negotiations with the 12 major rail labor organizations.
