The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED-IBT) reached a Tentative Agreement Wednesday with the freight railroads represented by the National Carriers' Conference Committee (NCCC).*

The five-year Tentative Agreement, covering the period from January 1, 2025, to July 1, 2029, ensures BMWED members 18.77 percent compounded wage growth over the next five years, protects health and welfare benefits without additional cost, and improves vacation accrual timing, amongst other gains.

This agreement marks a significant departure from the historical pattern of BMWED members working for extended periods without contractual wage increases and being locked into previous agreements, for years at a time. By securing contractual wage adjustments through 2029, BMWED members can now count on predictable and sustained financial growth without delay or potential work stoppages.

It is important to note that two Class I carriers have some caveats. Union Pacific is not party to the NCCC, so the BMWED remains fully engaged in bargaining with UP and no agreement has yet been reached. Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) is party to the NCCC for healthcare, but not wages and work rules, so bargaining over the wages and rules remains active.

The BMWED leadership extends its sincere appreciation to every member who contributed to this effort. Your engagement and solidarity have been instrumental in achieving a deal that reflects the hard work and commitment of our brotherhood. This achievement is also a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of our System Officers and the membership who have tirelessly advocated for fair wages and benefits on their respective railroads.

BMWED remains committed to advocating for the best interests of our members and will continue working to build a stronger future for all Maintenance of Way workers. Together, we have secured a contract that provides stability and growth, and we look forward to further strengthening our union.

Additional information regarding the ratification process will be forthcoming. Stay tuned for those updates.

*The NCCC includes an assortment of railroads. See pages 12 and 13 in the accompanying Tentative Agreement to see which railroads are party to the TA.

FULL TENTATIVE AGREEMENT (TA) CAN BE READ HERE