WASHINGTON — On Nov. 5, members of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 19 became the seventh railroad union to approve a tentative agreement with US freight railroads by a narrow vote.

The 4,900-member rail union voted to pass the agreement, with 52% in favor and only 59% of the group participating in the vote.

“IAM District 19 members have accepted the tentative agreement,” the union said. “We are confident that this is the best deal for our members. District 19 leadership worked day and night to communicate the agreement’s benefits and what would happen if it was rejected.”

The deal includes increased wages, a bonus, overtime pay, a cap on health care costs, accommodation for individual sleeping rooms for traveling mechanics and travel reimbursement. A “Me-Too” clause built into the agreement ensures that IAM members will receive added benefits if another union agrees to the same deal with improved terms.

IAM District 19 added, “Our union recognizes that the agreement wasn’t accepted overwhelmingly, so our team will continue conversing with our members at our rail yards across the nation. This agreement is the first step in addressing some of the issues in our industry. Our fight was able to shine a light on the work-life balance issues as well as the lack of proper paid sick leave. Our union will continue to amplify the deficiencies in the carriers’ sick leave and attendance policies.”

While IAM is the seventh of 12 unions to accept the agreement, two have rejected it. The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) released its members’ verdict on Oct. 10, indicating 56% were opposed to the agreement. Following BMWED’s vote, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) union also rejected the latest proposal, with 60.57% opposed. 

In early November, over 300 trade associations reached out to the Biden administration in an effort to prevent a possible strike if more unions reject the tentative deal.