What is the Railway Labor Act?
The Railway Labor Act (RLA) is a federal statute that has governed collective bargaining between freight railroads and rail labor organizations for nearly 100 years. Unlike agreements in most other industries, rail labor agreements under the RLA remain effective indefinitely until changed by mutual agreement. The RLA includes a structured process for good faith bargaining […]
How long does the bargaining process take?
The duration of the process can vary. Some agreements are reached quickly, while others may go through each stage of the RLA process. Our goal in this round is to reach timely, voluntary agreements that benefit all stakeholders.
What is the difference between national and local bargaining?
“National” agreements between multiple freight railroads and a labor union typically address significant issues such as wages, health benefits and industry-wide work rules. These agreements are negotiated on a multi-employer basis and apply to all employees represented by the signatory carriers and union. “Local” agreements only apply to employees in one craft at a specific […]
What is a “Section 6 notice?” What does it mean for employees?
Under the RLA, collective bargaining agreements do not expire and instead have “reopener” dates. On and after those dates, parties can start new negotiations by exchanging “Section 6 notices,” so-named because the notices are issued pursuant to Section 6 of the RLA. These notices outline proposed contractual changes and mark the beginning of the collective […]
What is a Presidential Emergency Board?
If both parties cannot reach an agreement through direct bargaining and mediation, and one or both parties reject binding arbitration, the RLA gives the President of the United States the authority to appoint a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB). The PEB investigates and makes non-binding recommendations for settling labor disputes that threaten to substantially interrupt interstate […]
When did national negotiations start?
The current national collective bargaining agreements between freight rail carriers and rail unions reopened for negotiation on November 1, 2024. At that time, “Section 6 notices” were exchanged and bargaining began.
Who are the parties involved in national railroad bargaining?
The most current round of bargaining includes 28 railroads represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee and 12 rail unions: International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Div. (SMART-TD & SMART-TD-YDM) Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees (BMWE) Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen (BLET) Brotherhood Railway Carmen (BRC) Brotherhood […]
How does this round of bargaining compare to previous rounds?
While the timing of agreements this early in the national bargaining round is noteworthy, this progress reflects the long history of productive collaboration between rail carriers and unions, resulting in mutually beneficial agreements that address employee priorities and keep the industry running.
Why have some carriers and unions already announced new agreements?
Some carriers (including those represented by the NCCC) and unions have proactively reached and ratified agreements early in the bargaining process, including both local and national agreements. The early local agreements established a pattern that provides a clear framework for resolving the national round, addressing key employee priorities and providing wage increases, enhanced health benefits […]
What happens if a tentative agreement isn’t ratified?
If a tentative agreement isn’t ratified, the union remains in direct bargaining and negotiations will continue. If an agreement isn’t immediately ratified, it does not impact broader industry operations or create the potential for a work stoppage under the Railway Labor Act. The pattern established by earlier agreements provides a strong framework to resolve any […]
