For Immediate Release: October 28, 2024

Contact: Matt Spence, 202-728-6014

 

IBEW Reaches Tentative Agreement with BNSF Railway

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has reached a new five-year tentative collective bargaining agreement with BNSF Railway.

“This new agreement reflects the IBEW’s commitment to ensuring that jobs in the freight rail industry are good jobs that provide economic security for our members and their families,” said IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper.  “Thanks to the hard work of railroad members, we are winning stronger contracts that recognize the value they bring to the nation.”

The tentative agreement has terms comparable to the ones reached with CSX and Norfolk Southern last week. These include:

• 18.77% compound wage increase over the next five years
• Changes to vacation benefits that allow workers to gain vacation time earlier
• The option to carry-over up to four unused paid sick days per year, to a maximum of 20 days. Employees can cash out unused days at 100% when they leave service

The IBEW represents approximately 1,200 workers at BNSF Railway.

The agreement is subject to a ratification vote by the members covered.

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The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) represents approximately 838,000 members and retirees who work in a wide variety of fields, including construction, utilities, manufacturing, telecommunications, broadcasting, railroads and government.