BNSF Union Members Reject 1-Person Train Crew Plan
A controversial BNSF Railway Co. labor contract proposal that would have cut some crews to one person from two has been rejected by workers who voted on the proposal, the union and the railroad confirmed.
The agreement would have been the first that would cut train crew sizes to one, in line with long-stated goals by freight railroads.
The proposed deal was reached two months ago to cover workers in 12 Midwest states who are members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, also known as SMART.
It would have eliminated conductors’ jobs on trains, when they were equipped with collision avoidance technology known as positive train control.
Union General Chairperson Randy Knutson confirmed that the proposal was rejected in a message sent to union headquarters.
“We felt it was important to provide you and our members with immediate notification that these agreements were not ratified,” Knutson’s message said, adding that more details would be provided later.
“It has ultimately been up to the men and women of SMART-TD at BNSF to decide whether to proceed with this agreement,” said John Fleps, the railroad’s vice president of labor relations in a statement sent to TT. “They have decided not to move forward at this time and we respect the process.”
The proposal called for full base pay to displaced workers who would otherwise have worked the jobs being eliminated. It also included a $100,000 buyout option, wage increases and added vacation benefits.
Knutson’s group has authority under the union’s national contract to negotiate regional deals.
