NOVI, Mich. — Members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of the Teamsters Rail Conference have ratified a new contract with Union Pacific.
The new contract, including raises totaling 18.5% over five years, covers about 6,600 workers at UP, as well as improved vacation policies and health and welfare benefits — terms similar to those reached with other unions by UP and other Class I railroads. Details on the ratification vote were not released.
“On behalf of the entire BMWED, I would like to congratulate all 6,600 of our brothers and sisters for securing such a strong contract,” BMWED President Tony Cardwell said in a press release. “Especially with the proposed [UP-Norfolk Southern] merger, it’s more critical now than ever that our members’ voices are heard and reflected. This agreement ensures this, and because of their hard work and unity, they will enjoy substantial improvements for years to come.”
The Teamsters Rail Conference says that more than 23,000 members of the BMWED and Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have ratified new contracts this year.
