By Justin Franz

WASHINGTON — The National Carriers’ Conference Committee said it will not accept a new proposal by the leadership of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division after its membership rejected a tentative contract earlier this month. That rejection by the committee, which represents six of North America’s seven largest railroads, increases the likelihood of a shutdown of the national rail network next month, either by strike or lockout. 

A record 11,845 union members cast ballots, with 6,646 voting against and 5,100 voting in favor. The rejection of the agreement kicked off a “status quo” period where the BMWED could reengage in bargaining with the Class Is (all five U.S. roads, plus Canadian National’s U.S. operations). That status quo period will last until November 19, at which point “self-help” — either a strike or a lockout — could occur. But on Wednesday, the railroads said the new offer the BMWED leadership had given them was a non-starter. 

“Now is not the time to introduce new demands that rekindle the prospect of a railroad strike. The carriers have advised BMWED that its latest proposal will not be accepted,” a spokesperson for the carriers wrote. 

The railroads reiterated their position that the deal previously accepted by BMWED leadership was a generous one and one that followed the recommendation of this summer’s Presidential Emergency Board. The PEB, appointed by the Biden administration, reviewed the ongoing disagreement between the railroads and labor and made a series of recommendations. The union’s members disagree, however, arguing that it does not meet their desires for a better work-life balance. 

If a resolution is not found before November 19 and the MOW employees go on strike, it’s likely to have a ripple effect with other unions following suit.