The Most Complicated Labor Negotiation in the Country Just Got More Complicated

The two largest freight rail unions split their vote on whether to ratify the proposed collective bargaining agreement, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen and SMART-Transportation Division announced. These 60,000 workers operate one of the country's most critical infrastructure networks, key to moving products that make the economy function including food and fuel. BLET voted to ratify with 53.5 percent in favor. And 62.48 percent of SMART-TD’s yardmasters also voted to ratify. But SMART-TD’s train and engine service members, who operate the trains, narrowly rejected the agreement with 50.87 percent of the vote. Three other unions have previously rejected the contract and resumed bargaining with the railroads.