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Welcome to the NRLC newsroom. Here you’ll find the latest updates and media resources. Sign up for our newsletter to receive these updates via email.
Nine out of twelve unions have now ratified national pattern agreements in the 2025 bargaining round Arlington, Va. (April 30, 2025) – The National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) today announced that members of the International [...]
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Arlington, Va. (April 30, 2025) – The National Railway Labor Conference (NRLC) today announced the promotion of Kristin Beckner to Managing Director of Labor Relations and Benefits. With over a decade of labor relations experience [...]
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Arlington, Va. (April 25, 2025) – The National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) today announced that members of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB) have voted to ratify a national collective bargaining agreement. This contract with [...]
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Collaboration between freight railroads and labor organizations at the bargaining table continues to drive significant results for employees and enables the industry to keep powering our economy. Here’s a look at recent milestones reached during [...]
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Arlington, Va. (March 31, 2025) – The National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) today announced it has reached a national tentative agreement with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The agreement, subject to [...]
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Arlington, Va. (March 26, 2025) – The National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) today announced it has reached a national tentative agreement with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB). The agreement, which is subject to member [...]
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Get the latest facts and figures about jobs, employment, and bargaining in the freight rail industry.
Have questions about the freight rail industry or our collective bargaining process?
Who are the parties involved in national railroad bargaining?
The current national collective bargaining agreements between freight rail carriers and rail unions can reopen for negotiation starting in November 2024. At that time, “Section 6 notices” will be exchanged and bargaining will begin.
Why have some carriers and unions already announced local agreements?
National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) members maintain open lines of communication with their freight rail union counterparts. As recent events have demonstrated, these discussions can provide opportunities to resolve priority issues on mutually agreeable terms. We’re encouraged by the early progress to reach agreements, some of which have been ratified, and support our members’ efforts to invest in good freight rail jobs while maintaining the industry’s ability to compete in the future.
Carriers and unions that have reached ratified agreements will not need to participate in the upcoming bargaining round. The early agreements also do not change the timeline for national bargaining.
Who are the parties involved in national railroad bargaining?
The most recent round of bargaining included more than 30 railroads represented by the National Carriers’ Conference Committee and 12 rail unions:
How long does the bargaining process take?
The timing of the process can vary. Sometimes agreements are reached quickly, and at other times, negotiations have proceeded through each part of the RLA process. In the next round of negotiations, we want to reach timely, voluntary agreements that are beneficial for all stakeholders.
