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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. 

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Bargaining Status

Learn about the status of the current round of collective bargaining.

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Latest Updates

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NCCC and SMART-TD, the largest freight rail union, have finalized a National Tentative Agreement

Once ratified, more than 80% will be covered by pattern terms. Arlington, Va. (September 16,...

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NCCC, BRS Announce National Tentative Agreement

Arlington, Va. (August 26, 2025) – The National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) today announced it...

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Wage Increases Without Delay: How Freight Rail’s Pattern Agreements are Delivering for Workers

On July 1, thousands of freight rail employees across the country will see their paychecks...

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Freight Railroads Name Stephanie Deiger as NRLC Vice Chair

Arlington, Va. (June 2, 2025) – The National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC) today announced the...

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