SMART-TD & NCCC Deal: Wage, Benefit Gains for Freight Rail Workers

SMART-TD members ratified a new collective bargaining agreement, securing wage increases and enhanced benefits for over 18,000 freight-rail employees.

SMART-TD & NCCC Deal: Wage, Benefit Gains for Freight Rail Workers
November 7, 2025 10:54 pm
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Introduction

Members of the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD) ratified two five-year collective bargaining agreements with the National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC), covering over 18,000 freight-rail employees.

Agreements Ratified

The agreements, covering more than 18,000 freight-rail employees, follow the industry pattern. Approximately 75% of union-represented freight-rail employees at railroads participating in national handling are now covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Key Provisions

The ratified agreements include several key provisions. Employees will receive wage increases of 18.8% compounded over five years. Enhancements to health and welfare benefits are included, with no increase to the employee contribution rate. Additionally, employees will have access to more paid vacation time earlier in their careers.

Agreement Timeline

SMART-TD and the NCCC reached a tentative agreement in September. This ratification marks a significant step in the ongoing national collective bargaining round.

National Bargaining Context

SMART-TD is the 10th major union to ratify agreements with the NCCC in the national collective bargaining round. The round began on Nov. 1, 2024. The National Railway Labor Conference leads national negotiations with the 12 major rail labor organizations through its NCCC.

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Conclusion

The Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD) ratified collective bargaining agreements with the National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC), which includes wage increases, benefit enhancements, and vacation time improvements for over 18,000 freight-rail employees.

Company Summary

Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD): SMART-TD is a labor union representing workers in the transportation industry.

National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC): The NCCC is the organization that represents the freight railroads in national collective bargaining.

National Railway Labor Conference: The National Railway Labor Conference leads national negotiations with the 12 major rail labor organizations through its NCCC.