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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. 

Bargaining Status

Learn about the results of the most recent round of collective bargaining.

Latest Updates

Freight Rail Industry Closes Fastest National Bargaining Round in Decades

A collaborative process delivers a strong, efficient outcome for railroads, unions, and employees   Arlington,...

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NCCC, BRS Reach Tentative National Agreement

Once ratified, NCCC-BRS deal will close out the current national bargaining round Arlington, Va. (June...

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BLET Members Vote to Ratify National Agreement with the NCCC

In the one year since national bargaining opened, eleven unions have ratified twelve national agreements...

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NCCC, BLET Announce National Tentative Agreement

2025 bargaining round has seen historic collaboration between freight rail carriers and the unions Arlington,...

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