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
- Registration CLOSED for Atlanta Regional Training Seminar
- Have a Tip? Share Your News with SMART-TD!
- New California Law Protects Transit Workers
- National Rail Tentative Agreement Update: Q&As Complete, Voting Set to Begin
- From Skeptic to Supporter: Members Work Across the Aisle to Tackle Rail Safety
- Two Training Tracks Are FULL for Upcoming Atlanta Regional Meeting
- How Does a Government Shutdown Impact the Offices Members Rely On?
- The Truth From Within: General Chairpersons From CSX Statement on Departure of CEO Joe Hinrichs
- Update on National Rail Contract –Make Sure You Get Your Ballot
- Two RRB Field Offices Move to New Locations