Train, engine and mechanical forces represented by the UTU on shortline Western Rail Road in Texas are voting on a tentative new agreement reached with mediation assistance from the National Mediation Board.
An October tentative agreement was rejected by affected members, leading to participation of the NMB in this renewed round of negotiations. Affected members will be voting through Aug. 3.
Negotiations were led by UTU Vice President Paul Tibbit and UTU General Chairperson Doyle Turner (GO 347), who heads the UTU’s shortline outreach program.
“This tentative agreement, as with others negotiated with shortlines, is intended to bring parity in wages, benefits and work rules to the thousands of employees in the short line railroad industry, along with the many other protections offered by union membership,” Turner said. “The seniority, scope and discipline rules these members now enjoy are what makes union membership valuable.”
Western Rail Road, owned by Cemex, connects a quarry and cement plant at Dittlinger with Union Pacific’s Austin, Texas, subdivision. Dittlinger is four miles south of New Braunfels and about 50 miles south of Austin.
Related News
- For Wisconsin’s State Legislative Director, Role is More Than a Title
- Get the Facts on the Union Pacific Arbitration Award from SBA 1208!
- New Jersey Passes Two New Pro-Labor Laws Backed by SMART-TD
- VILP Enrollment Extended Through September 26!
- FRA Expands Bridge Safety Oversight
- Rep. Lawler’s Transit Funding Flexibility Act of 2025 receives SMART-TD Endorsement
- Join Railroaders from Across the Country for Houston Rail Labor Solidarity Rally!
- Registration Open for Atlanta Regional Training Seminar
- 2025 Labor Day Message from SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson
- Announcing the Winners of our 2025 Local Pride T-Shirt Contest!