WASHINGTON — The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division has reached a tentative agreement with the bargaining group representing major railroads for a new five-year contract for yardmasters, SMART-TD has announced.
The agreement with the National Carriers Conference Committee calls for annual wage increases totaling 17.5% through 2029, with a compounded raise of more than 18.75%. But the union said quality-of-life issues are also a critical part of the agreement, providing guaranteed rest days for the first time those on the extra board.
“Everyone in this union knows that historically, the youngest of our craft have been on call seven days a week, with no rest days at all when assigned to the guaranteed extra board,” SMART-TD Alternate Vice President Chris Bartz, a CPKC yardmaster, said in a press release. “… By securing guaranteed rest days, we’re giving members the ability to plan for time off without worrying about the carrier calling. This is something that has been a very long time coming.”
The agreement also provides the structure for a negotiation that aims to provide yardmasters with paid sick days for the first time. Increased vacation time is also included.
The union said a ratification vote will be held soon.
