National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) Serves Section 6

The BMWED-IBT received notice today from the National Railway Labor Conference and those rail carriers negotiating together under the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC) initiating National Bargaining pursuant to Section 6 of the Railway Labor Act. The Brotherhood will respond in kind with its own Section 6 notice addressed to the individual railroads Monday, officially initiating the next bargaining round.

This round is atypical, as some collectively bargained agreements across several crafts and separate carriers have been reached and ratified prior to the official round. As always, the BMWED will negotiate in good faith. Leadership has heard from members employed across all the freight railroads that improved wages, benefits and work rules are paramount.

The BMWED is also hopeful that the carriers and the NCCC will engage in good faith, move expeditiously, and deliver an agreement that truly reflects that hard work and dedication Brotherhood members bring to their respective railroads. Historically, collective bargaining in our industry has been plagued by lengthy delays, too often leaving members without timely and adequate wages. BMWED President Tony D. Cardwell and National and System Officers will request meetings with rail management in the coming days, beginning the process of securing a strong contract worthy of our membership’s dedication and commitment.

Absent from the NCCC coalition are CSX and Union Pacific railroads. We intend to bargain with them individually. In fact, we have been in discussions with CSX ahead of the official round. Norfolk Southern is also not included because BMWED members on that property reached a CBA last month. New benefits from that contract will begin Jan. 1, 2025 with General Wage Increases starting on July 1.

Please remain engaged and informed during this upcoming round. Attend your lodge meetings. Have discussions with your Brothers and Sisters. Speak consistently to your leadership at both the local, system federation and National levels. Impart your ideas and visions for the future success of our Brotherhood. As this process unfolds, your input will lead the way.

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