Union Pacific Teamsters Ratify Strong New Contract Amid Proposed Merger with Norfolk Southern.

Thousands of Union Pacific maintenance of way workers, represented by the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the Teamsters Rail Conference, have ratified a new contract with raises of 18.5% over five years, improved vacation policies, and enhanced health and welfare benefits. This comes as Union Pacific proposes a merger with Norfolk Southern, which would create the largest railroad in American history.

Thousands of maintenance of way workers at Union Pacific (UP) have voted to ratify a new contract, securing substantial wage increases and improved benefits. The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) of the Teamsters Rail Conference represents the 6,600 workers who will see an 18.5% raise over the next five years, along with enhanced vacation policies and health and welfare benefits [1].

The contract victory comes amidst Union Pacific's recent proposal to merge with Norfolk Southern. If approved, the merger would create the largest railroad in American history, spanning over 50,000 miles of track across 43 states [2]. The merger is supported by MODE Global, a leading intermodal logistics provider, which anticipates improved transit times and lower transportation costs for shippers and consumers [3].

The new agreement ensures that the workers' voices are heard and reflected, particularly with the proposed merger. Tony Cardwell, President of the BMWED, praised the workers' unity and hard work, stating that the contract will provide substantial improvements for years to come [1].

This contract ratification follows a wave of new labor agreements ratified by Teamsters railroaders since the start of the year, totaling over 23,000 workers [1]. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico [1].

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/6-600-union-pacific-teamsters-231500785.html
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/6-600-union-pacific-teamsters-ratify-contract-ce7c50dadb8eff21
[3] https://www.citybiz.co/article/733557/mode-global-welcomes-union-pacific-norfolk-southern-merger/