Union Pacific, SMART-TD enter agreement securing railroading jobs

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division and Union Pacific Railroad (UNP) announced an agreement ensuring job security for thousands of railroad workers as Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern (NSC) pursue a proposed merger. This agreement guarantees that SMART-TD members working in train and yardmaster service will have job protection for the length of their careers following the transaction, subject to the usual requirements for continued employment. Union Pacific has committed that these employees will not face involuntary furloughs as a result of the merger. The result of these protections will reduce disruption to shippers and overall customer service. Therefore, SMART-TD announced its support for Union Pacific’s proposed merger with Norfolk Southern. This support will be reflected before the Surface Transportation Board in Docket No. 36873, where the union will stand behind the agreement as a model of protecting workers while advancing the industry.