CSX railroad workers represented by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) of the Teamsters Rail Conference have ratified a new five-year contract by a 2 to 1 margin.

The results of the vote are as follows:

In favor of ratification: 1,663 (66.52%)

Against: 802 (32.08%)

Blank votes: 35 (1.4%)

Member involvement was high, representing record turnout for a ratification vote.

The new agreement secures gains for nearly 4,200 CSX BMWED-Teamsters, including raises of 18.77 percent compounded over the life of the contract, a reduction in the time needed to accumulate vacation, improved health and welfare benefits, and significant improvements to local work rules.

“To secure this contract now, improving many important rules, locking in bonus structures for vital positions, attaining gains in vacation and health insurance without increases in employee contributions, is important and unprecedented in modern rail bargaining,” said Tony Cardwell, President of the BMWED. “Members repeatedly said we need faster bargaining, money in our pockets now, and politicians and bureaucrats out of our bargaining process. This has been accomplished.”

CSX is a Class I freight railroad – one of the largest in the country – covering over 21,000 miles of track across the eastern United States and Canada.

“CSX is very profitable, and none of that would have been possible without the hard work of our members,” said Brian Thompson, General Chairman of the BMWED’s Allied Federation. “Railroaders are some of the strongest workers in America, and this contract makes sure they will be paid and treated fairly for years to come.”

“This contract is a victory not just for CSX workers but also for each and every man and woman in this country who keep our railroads running,” said Jason Graham, General Chairman of the BMWED’s Alliance System Federation. “Our members stood together and are rewarded for their hard work.”