UP, NS Merger: Job Security Agreement for US Rail Workers

Introduction

The Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (BRC) and Union Pacific Railroad (UP) have agreed on job security provisions for union employees in the event of the proposed merger between UP and Norfolk Southern Railway (NS).

Job Security Agreement

The BRC and Union Pacific Railroad reached an agreement that provides a job security commitment for hundreds of union employees if the proposed merger between UP and Norfolk Southern Railway goes through.

The BRC is the latest union to reach an agreement with UP that ensures members employed at both UP and NS at the time of the merger will have job security for life, subject to the usual requirements for continued employment, UP officials said.

Other Unions

The other two unions are International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers–Transportation Division and the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers.

Merger Proposal

In July, UP and NS announced that UP would acquire NS and the two would merge their operations to create the nation’s first coast-to-coast transcontinental railroad.

Regulatory Approval

The proposed merger must be approved by the federal Surface Transportation Board.

Conclusion

The Brotherhood of Railway Carmen and Union Pacific Railroad have reached an agreement providing job security for union employees, joining other unions in anticipation of the proposed merger between UP and Norfolk Southern Railway, pending approval from the Surface Transportation Board.

Company Summary

Brotherhood of Railway Carmen (BRC): A union representing railway carmen.

Union Pacific Railroad (UP): A major freight-hauling railroad.

Norfolk Southern Railway (NS): A freight-hauling railroad.

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers–Transportation Division: A union representing transportation workers.

National Conference of Firemen and Oilers: A union representing firemen and oilers.