News
BMWED Rail Teamsters Win Paid Sick Leave from BNSF
New Tentative Agreement Comes After Hard-Fought Campaign
The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division of the Teamsters (BMWED) announced a new agreement this month with BNSF that gives members four paid sick days per year. The agreement is pending ratification by BMWED members who work at BNSF.
The agreement provides the paid sick days annually to every qualifying maintenance of way employee. In addition, three paid personal days can also be used as paid sick time off. If BMWED members do not use all their paid sick leave, the remaining time can be contributed to their 401(k) contributions through BNSF’s retirement program or cashed out for straight time wage.
BNSF and BMWED General Chairmen George Loveland, John Mozinski, Tim Bunch, and Dennis Albers finalized the agreement’s language on Sept. 15.
“This is obviously a great success for our union and I am glad that BNSF recognized the importance of this issue,” said BMWED Northwest Vice President Staci Moody-Gilbert. “Our members can now take time to properly address health issues as they arise without worry of financial repercussions. This agreement brings BNSF in line with the other Class I carriers who have entered into similar agreements and is a welcomed development.”
BMWED members on BNSF will have the opportunity to vote on ratification of the deal in the coming weeks. For more information on the agreement, please contact your local representative or system federation office. Contact information can be found on the BMWED’s website under the directory link.