JACKSONVILLE — Members of the Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen have ratified a new five-year deal with CSX, the union and railroad announced today.
CSX also announced ratification of an agreement with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, In Ship Builders, Forgers & Helpers, or IBB.
The signalmen’s union said the agreement includes raises totaling 18.77% compounded over the lift of the contract, as well as improvements to health and welfare benefits. Among those: the ability to carry over up to 20 days of unused sick leave for long-term illness.
Just over 63% of those casting ballots voted in favor of the agreement, the BRS said. The agreement covers more than 1,300 workers; of those, 838 cast ballots.
“This agreement reflects the hard work of our Bargaining Committee,” BRS President Mike Baldwin said in a statement, “and sends a clear message that Signalmen are not afraid to break from tradition when it’s in the best interest of our members. We secured timely raises, major quality-of-life improvements, and long-overdue work rule reforms.”
The Boilermakers union said 72% of its members voted in favor of the agreement with CSX.
Thirteen unions, covering 16 work groups and accounting for 54% of CSX’s unionized workers, have now ratified agreements with the railroad.
“Ratifying these agreements reflects the trust we’ve built with union leadership and our shared commitment to the people who keep our company running,” CSX CEO Joe Hinrichs said in a press release. “Our focus continues to be on improving safety, efficiency, and service for our customers while building a stronger, more unified ONE CSX.”
