SMART-TD Yardmasters Reach Tentative Agreement

Historic Wins on Quality of Life and Strong Wage Increases Secured

SMART-TD is proud to announce that a Tentative Agreement (TA) has been reached for our Yardmasters. This agreement, made in partnership with the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC), represents a major step forward in both wages and quality of life improvements for our members. 

Substantial Wage Increases

The agreement provides four consecutive annual general wage increases: 

• July 1, 2025 – 4.0% increase 
• July 1, 2026 – 3.75% increase 
• July 1, 2027 – 3.5% increase 
• July 1, 2028 – 3.25% increase 
• July 1, 2029 – 3.00% increase

By the end of this agreement, Yardmasters will see a compounded increase exceeding 18.75%, strengthening economic security and reflecting the essential work performed every day in yards across the country. 

Quality of Life Wins

While wage growth is a critical win, this agreement also addresses long-standing quality of life concerns for Yardmasters.  

“Quality of life for our Yardmasters was at the heart of everything we fought for in this Tentative Agreement,” explained SMART-TD’s Alternate Vice President Chris Bartz, who is an active Yardmaster on the CPKC railroad. “Everyone in this union knows that historically, the youngest of our craft have been on call seven days a week, with no rest days at all when assigned to the guaranteed extra board. This provision finally rights decades of wrongs against our Yardmasters. 

“By securing guaranteed rest days, we’re giving members the ability to plan for time off without worrying about the Carrier calling. This is something that has been a very long time coming. Just as importantly, we won language that requires the Carriers to come to the table to negotiate sick days on a clear timeline. Our goal is to ensure Yardmasters achieve the same protections as our T&E brothers and sisters,” Brother Bartz explained. 

This agreement is not only right and just: it’s proof of what we can accomplish when we stand united. 

Guaranteed Rest Days

For the first time, Yardmasters will have guaranteed rest days on the extra board built into their schedules. This ensures members receive predictable time away from work to recharge, spend time with family, and reduce fatigue. 

Expanded Sick Days

The TA also provides a path for the negotiation of paid sick days, a major step forward in recognizing the need for Yardmasters to recover. This provision of the TA creates a structured negotiation between the carriers, and SMART-TD aimed at bringing the same sick day structure our T&E members have to our Yardmasters. 

Enhanced Vacation Time

Quality of life improvements in this TA extend into wins on vacation time as well. In this TA, we have secured additional vacation time for our Yardmasters as well as accelerated the accrual of vacation time for our newer members.  

A Balanced Agreement for the Future

Taken together, these gains mark a significant milestone for SMART-TD Yardmasters. Meaningful wage increases combined with strategic quality of life improvements show the power of collective action and the dedication of members and leadership in securing a stronger future. 

Yardmasters will soon review and vote on this Tentative Agreement. 

This is your agreement. These are your wins.