Norfolk Southern and BNSF railroads have announced tentative agreement with a number of unions in advance of the expiration of 5-year collective bargaining agreements.  The unions agreeing to the new contracts include the Brotherhood of Railway Car Men, The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers and others representing approximately 30 percent of Norfolk Southern and 15 percent of BNSF employees.

New contracts provide enhanced health benefits, more paid leave, especially in the careers of newer employees and a 3.5 percent wage increase.

The CEOs of both railroad operators welcomed the agreements thanking labor leaders for their collaboration and cooperation contributing to the best interests of their membership. 

It is hoped that remaining unions are encouraged to conclude negotiations before expiration of bargaining agreements that would inevitably raise the specter of strikes as occurred in Canada, requiring government intervention.  This would be especially damaging to the U.S. economy and would introduce additional political complications in an election year.