Arlington, Va. (August 26, 2025) – The National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) today announced it has reached a national tentative agreement with the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS). The agreement, which is subject to member ratification, continues a steady pace of progress that has already led to nine other unions reaching and ratifying national collective bargaining agreements.
“The decision by BRS to embrace this agreement underscores the value the pattern framework provides for workers, bringing wage increases and enhanced benefits without having to wait years,” said Jeff Rodgers, chairman of the National Railway Labor Conference and the NCCC. “Our collaboration with BRS helps deliver stability and growth for rail workers while supporting the freight service that’s essential to American businesses and consumers.”
The tentative agreement, subject to member ratification, follows the industry-wide pattern and provides:
- 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’ 2025 health care premiums have decreased to about $277/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.
Continued Momentum in Bargaining
Upon ratification, half of the union-represented freight rail employees at railroads participating in national handling will be covered by a ratified collective bargaining agreement that follows the industry-wide pattern.
The tentative BRS agreement mirrors dozens of local and national agreements already ratified in the 2025 bargaining round, including those ratified by employees represented by IBEW, BMWED, SMART-MD, IAM, IBB, ATDA, NCFO, TCU, and BRC covering the period through Dec. 31, 2029.
Since the exchange of Section 6 notices on Nov. 1, 2024, the 2025 bargaining round has seen historic collaboration between freight rail carriers and unions. Early local agreements set the stage for this momentum, establishing a clear pattern that addresses employee needs while strengthening the freight rail industry’s ability to provide safe, reliable service.
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.
