BMWED members on Norfolk Southern ratified a collectively bargained agreement on their property, while members on CSX rejected a tentative agreement in separate votes Oct. 14.

On Norfolk Southern, members ratified a tentative agreement by a vote of 710-480 (59.66%). 11 votes were returned blank.

The ratification locks in a five-year collectively bargained agreement of General Wage Increases compounded to 18.77 percent for the life of the contract; a reduction in the time required to accrue vacation; and enhanced health and welfare benefits while maintaining the current 15 percent monthly employee contribution, amongst other improvements.

To learn more about the ratified CBA, visit bmwe.org/ta

The GWIs will hit each year on July 1, starting next year and ending in 2029. The first GWI is 4.0%, with GWIs of 3.75%, 3.5%. 3.25%. and 3.0% in the years to follow.

Of 3,144 eligible BMWED NS voters, 1,201 returned ballots.

On CSX, BMWED members rejected a tentative agreement by a vote of 1,330-616 (68.35%). 23 votes were returned blank.

Of 4,186 eligible voters, 1,969 returned ballots.

With this vote, the tentative agreement did not ratify. BMWED national division and the system federation officers on CSX will return to bargaining with the carrier. Details on that process and the next steps will be soon to follow.