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9/16/2025
The National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) today announced it has reached a national tentative agreement with the SMART-Transportation Division (SMART-TD), the nation’s largest rail union.
The tentative national agreement will extend the benefits established by the industry-wide pattern of agreements, including wage increases and improved benefits to thousands of freight-rail employers, said Jeff Rodgers, chairman of the National Railway Labor Conference and the NCCC, in a press release.
"This represents a substantial advancement, and we value SMART-TD’s participation in a productive process that is expected to benefit rail employees, foster high-quality careers, and contribute to the continued success of America’s freight rail sector," Rodgers said.
Subject to ratification, the tentative pact provides wage increases of 18.8% over five years; improved health and welfare benefits, with no increase in the employee contribution rate; and access to more paid vacation for employees earlier in their careers.
Upon ratification of this agreement and a separate tentative agreement with the Brotherhood of Railway Signalmen, more than 80% of the union-represented freight-rail employees at railroads participating in national handling will be covered by a ratified collective bargaining agreement that follows the industry-wide pattern.