Several Rail Unions (including BMWED) that have not yet reached tentative National Agreements with the Class I Rail Carriers attended an in-person public interest meeting at the National Mediation Board on Wednesday, September 7, 2022.

The National Mediation Board (NMB) facilitated the discussions between the Rail Unions and carriers. U.S. Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh also attended the public interest meetings and listened to briefings by the parties about the status their respective negotiations. BMWED made it clear that while there were more issues to sort through regarding PEB 250’s recommendations for Travel Allowances and Away from Home Expenses, BNSF was most certainly hampering progress between the parties. While all other carriers have made commitments, BNSF refuses to agree to collective bargaining agreement language that is consistent with BMWED’s proposal and the PEB 250’s recommendations which would ensure BNSF Maintenance of Way Employees that drive their personal vehicle to travel to different work locations and worksites would be reimbursed for such.

“BNSF President and CEO Katie Farmer needs bring BNSF in line with the other freight railroads so that we can reach a National Agreement,” BMWED President Tony D. Cardwell said. “The reality of Maintenance of Way mobile gang work is that the Employees must drive their personal automobiles throughout the work season so that they can meet basic personal needs. Things like securing a hot dinner after a 12-hour workday while on the road. Or grabbing groceries for midweek lunch preparation. Or picking up hygiene or medication necessities from the store. In addition to these common errands, the hardworking men and women of the BMWED should also be able to return home on rest days to see their families by driving their personal vehicles if they so choose. They should not be expected to leave their personal vehicles at a worksite for months on end or rely on a company bus to take them somewhere after work hours – especially if an emergency were to arise at home.

BNSF was party to the lawsuit to compel BMWED to negotiate nationally, and we have a recommendation from PEB 250 that is national. BNSF needs to do the right thing here, just as the other railroads have committed to do. I remain hopeful that BNSF will do the right thing and that BMWED will reach a tentative agreement with the carriers.  Let’s end this 65-year dispute once and for all.”       

PEB 250 issued its report on August 16, 2022, and the 30-day status quo cooling off period ends at 12:00:01 AM on Friday, September 16, 2022.  

Further bargaining updates, including the results of the NMB’s facilitated discussions, will be provided as information develops.

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