Railroad National Agreement Pay: How it Works and What You Need to Know
Railroad national agreement pay refers to the compensation system negotiated and agreed upon between unions representing railroad employees and railroad companies. The national agreement covers issues such as wages, benefits, working conditions, and job security for employees working in the railroad industry.
The national agreement is negotiated every few years between the unions and the companies, with input from the National Mediation Board. The current agreement, known as the National Railroad Agreement, covers nearly all employees in the railroad industry in the United States. It was last renegotiated in 2020, with the new agreement taking effect on July 1, 2020, and lasting through June 30, 2023.
Under the national agreement, railroad employees are classified into different categories based on their job duties. This classification system determines the pay scale and benefits for each employee. The categories include train and engine service employees, yardmasters, clerks, and others.
For train and engine service employees, pay is based on a system known as mileage pay. This means that employees are paid based on the number of miles they travel, rather than hours worked. The mileage rate varies depending on the employee`s classification and experience level. In addition to mileage pay, employees also receive allowances for expenses such as meals and lodging.
Yardmasters and clerks are paid on an hourly basis, with their pay rates determined by their classification and experience level. They also receive additional allowances for expenses.
In addition to pay, the national agreement also covers benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, and retirement plans. These benefits are funded by both the employee and the employer.
It is important to note that the national agreement applies only to unionized railroad employees. Non-unionized employees, such as management and administrative staff, may have different pay and benefits structures.
In conclusion, railroad national agreement pay is a system designed to ensure fair compensation and benefits for unionized railroad employees. The system is negotiated and agreed upon every few years between unions and railroad companies and covers nearly all employees in the industry. The system includes a classification system and pay scale based on factors such as job duties and experience level, along with benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. Non-unionized employees may have different pay and benefits structures.