Following a 16-0 representation vote, IANR’s maintenance-of-way (m/w) employees have been assigned to the Unified System Division (USD) of the BMWED, according to the union.
IANR, which CN has sought Surface Transportation Board approval to control, is an approximately 275-mile U.S. Class II (regional) railroad that interchanges with CN, Union Pacific, Canadian Pacific Kansas City, and Railway Age two-time Short Line of the Year honoree Cedar Rapids and Iowa City (see map above).
“We welcome our newest Brothers on the Iowa Northern and are enthusiastic to together make their railroad a better place to work,” BMWED Director of Organizing Thomas Kirby said. “It has been great getting to know our newest brethren on this railroad, working with them to address their needs and I’m encouraged that great things are on the horizon.”
“Such a resounding vote signifies the trust this new group of members has in our Brotherhood,” BMWED USD General Chairman Brian Rumler said. “These members recognize that we are stronger together and the USD is proud to represent them.”
Separately, BMWED-represented employees at CSX recently voted to ratify a five-year collective bargaining agreement with the Class I. Also, Norfolk Southern and BMWED members have voted to ratify a new agreement.
In another development, Railway Age is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Short Line and Regional Railroad of the Year program; the deadline is Feb. 5. Small roads in the U.S., Mexico and Canada are eligible for an award. The 2025 honorees will be recognized at the ASLRRA 2025 Annual Conference & Exhibition. Articles covering their achievements will appear in Railway Age’s March 2025 issue, which will be distributed at the show.
