Norfolk Southern and the union representing conductors have reached what they are terming a “ground-breaking, system-wide agreement” to address quality-of-life issues — not just paid sick leave, but scheduled days off, and additional pay for weekends and time away from home.
NS and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART-TD) announced the tentative agreement today (Friday, April 28). It is subject to union ratification.
“This agreement underscores the progress we can make when SMART-TD and Norfolk Southern come together to improve the lives and workplace experience of our hard-working members,” Jeremy Ferguson, president of SMART-TD, said in a joint press release with the railroad. “I want to thank Norfolk Southern for their partnership, and most importantly, our tireless SMART-TD leaders – Jim Ball, Tommy Gholson, David Phillips, Drew Evans, Brian Sharkey, and Jason Roberts – for working collaboratively to reach this extremely positive outcome for Norfolk Southern conductors.”
The two parties say the agreement offers:
— “Technology-driven enhancements” to provide all conductors with scheduled days off and greater certainty over weekly assignments.
— Changes that provide greater transparency and flexibility to enjoy vacation and other paid time off.
— Greater reimbursement for meals when away from home, and additional compensation for work on weekends and time away from home.
— Five new paid sick days and the option to use two days of existing leave “to care for their personal well-being.”
“I have a deep appreciation and respect for the contributions that my craft colleagues make to our company, our customers, and the U.S. economy,” NS CEO Alan Shaw said. “Coming out of national negotiations, we committed to taking a comprehensive look at quality of life at Norfolk Southern. With this agreement, we are leading the industry’s efforts to provide more predictable work and greater support for the wellbeing of our craft railroaders.”
The railroad’s Vice President, Labor Relations, Wai Wong, said, “I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done with our labor partners at SMART-TD to reach this landmark deal. This agreement is the culmination of many honest, open discussions with our General Chairmen about our employees’ perspectives and priorities. I look forward to building on the foundation of trust we’ve laid as we continue working together to improve quality of life for our dedicated railroaders.”
While Class I railroads have negotiated a number of new agreements covering sick time, the only previous deal involving an operating union was reached earlier this month between CSX Transportation and SMART-TD [see “CSX becomes first railroad to reach sick time deal with conductors’ union,” Trains News Wire, April 3, 2023], and that was a more limited agreement.
Share this article
