By Railfan & Railroad Staff

Norfolk Southern says it is the first Class I railroad to secure paid sick leave agreements with 100 percent of its craft workforce. The railroad made that claim after inking a deal with SMART Transportation Division this week. 

The announcement comes six months after the nation’s rail system nearly ground to a halt as a result of contentious contract talks that focused on things like paid sick leave and more time off. Since then all four American Class Is have secured deals with union labor regarding time off. 

The agreement NS announced on Monday will provide nearly 300 yardmasters with four new days of paid sick leave per year while offering them the flexibility to use up to three additional days of paid time off as sick leave.

“Following national labor negotiations, we committed to addressing quality of life issues for our craft railroaders. With today’s agreement, we make good on that promise,” said President and CEO Alan Shaw. “I am proud of our team for working collaboratively with union leadership over the last four months to reach agreements that benefit all of our craft colleagues.”

“This agreement will provide our hardworking yardmasters the time they need and deserve to take care of their personal wellbeing,” said Jeremy Ferguson, President of SMART-TD. “I want to thank Norfolk Southern for their partnership on this deal, and for leading the industry as the first railroad to sign sick leave agreements for all our dedicated union members.”

The railroad also recently released a locomotive to honor all of the unions that represent NS’ employees. The General Electric locomotive, AC44C6M 4693, features the logos of a dozen different labor unions on the long hood.

Photo Courtesy of Norfolk Southern