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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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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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IAM Members Vote to Ratify National Agreement with the NCCC

Nine out of twelve unions have now ratified national pattern agreements in the 2025 bargaining...

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NRLC Promotes Kristin Beckner to Managing Director

Arlington, Va. (April 30, 2025) – The National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC) today announced the...

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