The IBEW reached tentative agreements with three major railroads in October, negotiating a historic raise along with improvements to paid time off and health benefits.
"These new agreements are a historic step forward for rail workers across the nation, and I'm proud of the efforts of IBEW railroad members in helping secure a fair deal," said IBEW International President Kenneth W. Cooper. "Our workers help move America, and this agreement recognizes the value they bring to the rail industry."
Five-year deals were reached with CSX, Norfolk Southern and BNSF. The agreements would provide a compounded wage increase of 18.77%, allow members to use vacation time earlier and give workers the option to carry over up to four unused paid sick days a year. Employees would also be able to cash out any unused days at 100% if they leave service.
While the agreements are largely in line with industry norms, Railroad Director Al Russo noted that the ability to accrue up to 20 sick days is specific to the IBEW agreements.
"We felt we needed to do something more for our members," Russo said.
The wage increase is also the largest achieved without any federal intervention, something railroad contracts are often subject to.
"It's a good deal," said Jeff Allred, Railroad System Council general chair for BNSF workers, noting that the raises are "frontloaded" to provide the largest increase in the first years of the contract.
The agreements, which cover roughly 2,500 members, represent offers that are largely consistent across the rail properties, and if passed would keep IBEW members in line with other workers, said Tom Owens, Railroad System Council general chair representing workers at CSX and Norfolk Southern.
"This way, our members have the final decision," he said. "It puts the power in their hands."
IBEW rail members work in a variety of roles, including locomotive service maintenance, bridge and building work, radio maintenance, automatic train control, and telecommunications.