International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD) members on BNSF, Norfolk Southern (NS), CN, and several Class II and Class III railroads have voted to ratify a new, five-year collective bargaining agreement that the union says, “delivers substantial economic gains and key improvements—without any concessions.”
Under the terms of the agreement, which was approved by nearly 70%, members will receive compounded wage increases of 18.77% over a five-year period. The first wage increase of 4.0% will be applied retroactively to July 1, 2025, with full back pay. The agreement also strengthens medical, dental, and vision benefits, and includes improved vacation benefits to improve quality of life for members and their families.
Negotiations between SMART-TD and the participating railroads took place over approximately nine months, culminating in a tentative agreement that was reached in early October. The high level of voter turnout and the results, the union says, “underscore the membership’s confidence in SMART-TD’s bargaining team and satisfaction with what was achieved at the table.”
“This contract represents a solid victory for our members,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson. “We secured real wage growth, protected our work rules and crew consist agreements, enhanced our benefits, and achieved these gains without giving up a single concession or protection. Our members stood together and recognized the value and importance of this agreement, and it paid off.”
The new contract went into effect immediately on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, at midnight when votes were tabulated, and its moratorium will remain in place until Jan. 1, 2030.
