By Railfan & Railroad Staff

CSX Transportation has reached a tentative agreement with one of its unions to provide paid sick leave benefits to trainmen and conductors. The agreement announced this week is notable because it’s one of the first times train service employees at a Class I railroad have been offered paid sick leave. 

The tentative deal was made with Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division B&O and would provide new benefits to more than 10,000 employees, about 60 percent of the company’s union-represented workforce. The deal still needs to be ratified by members. It comes as more and more Class Is are offering paid sick leave to union employees in an effort to provide a better work-life balance. Sick leave was a major sticking point during last year’s national contract talks and disagreements on it almost led to a nationwide strike. But in recent weeks all four U.S. Class I railroads have forged agreements with paid sick leave for some union employees, mostly in the mechanical and communications departments. 

“I want to thank the SMART-TD B&O leadership for working with us to reach this important agreement for their members and adding to the progress we’re making together to improve the work experience for front-line employees who create value for our customers,” said Joe Hinrichs, CSX president and chief executive officer. “We are committed to listening to our employees and talking with union leaders about how we can solve issues and further improve relations,” Hinrichs said. “When we’re working together, we’re working better — for our customers and each other.”

The CSX agreement provides employees with five days of paid sick leave annually plus an opportunity to convert two days from personal leave to sick leave.