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CSX Transportation and United Transportation Union recently reached a pilot work/rest agreement under which employees at certain yards will be provided guaranteed rest periods for at least two months, according to a news item on UTU's Web site.

CSXT and UTU will create three-day and four-day assignments, and reduce three-shift cycles to two shifts. Employees working four-day, ten-hour assignments will receive guaranteed rest on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; three-day, 12-hour assignment workers, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Employees working under the experimental rules will be considered full-time workers who retain all benefits and receive guaranteed protection from furloughs. After 60 days, CSXT or UTU can cancel the pilot agreement.

"The primary purpose of this understanding is to provide an alternative work cycle with extended rest days, and to obtain and accumulate data on alternative work/rest cycles in yard service," said UTU General Chairperson John Hancock. "This is truly a life-changing event for our membership and a great opportunity to move our work rules and conditions into the 21st century."