(Source: CSX press release, October 31, 2013)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation Inc. has signed a landmark agreement with four labor unions that sets new standards of quality and productivity at the company’s Huntington (W.Va.) Locomotive Shop.
The agreement covers a variety of work, including locomotive rebuilds. The unions signing the agreement are the Transportation Communications Union’s Carmen Division, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers.
“This is an innovative contract by CSX and its union-represented employees at the Huntington facility,” said Ken Mason, CSX vice president-labor relations. “This is a true win-win agreement that provides the right incentives for improved worker flexibility and the ability to drive significant improvements in quality, production and efficiency.”
Jeff Doerr, president and directing general chairman of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 19, also praised the agreement.
“This historic agreement proves that by working efficiently, railroad unions can compete with outside contractors even at higher rates of pay with superior benefits,” Doerr said.
Under the agreement signed October 23, members of all four unions may perform all assigned work without regard to craft or union affiliation. Covered employees will received a $500 signing bonus, a $1 hourly efficiency differential, and guaranteed employment for the duration of the four-year agreement.
In addition, the current ratio of members of each union currently working at the Huntington Locomotive Shop will be preserved, Mason said.