At this time, the National Mediation Board (NMB) has denied the BMWED/SMART-MD Coalition’s request for a proffer of arbitration.  On Friday, April 8, 2022, the NMB notified the BMWED/SMART-MD Coalition and the NCCC that the parties remain in mediation while the NMB continues to consider the proffer for arbitration request.  

“There is essentially zero chance that further mediation between the railroads and the BMWED/SMART-MD Coalition will be productive,” BMWED President Freddie N. Simpson said. “We believe the only avenue to a voluntary agreement with the railroads is through a Presidential Emergency Board. It has been nearly three years since Maintenance of Way railroad workers have had a wage increase. They cannot go another day without an increase to their wages and improvements to their away from home expenses. We need a fair, equitable agreement immediately and the railroads have no intention of reaching one at the table.  The only viable option at this point is to release us and establish a PEB.”  

You can find the NMB’s April 8th letter HERE.