UTU local chairpersons representing CSX Eastern, Western and Northern Lines workers have overwhelmingly ratified a new Northern Mid-Atlantic District implementing agreement.
More than 91 percent of the local chairpersons voted to ratify the agreement, which adopts for CSX Eastern, Western and Northern Lines the agreement covering former Baltimore & Ohio (a CSX predecessor railroad) lines.
The agreement covers conductors, trainmen, switchmen and engineer trainees, protecting prior rights while giving all trainmen affected blanket seniority over the entire district.
Although several benefits were enhanced as a result of this agreement, the Baltimore & Ohio property remains in national handling with regards to wages, benefits and working conditions and those items will be addressed in that arena to be voted on at a future date.
The new agreement is expected to be implemented during the first quarter of 2011. It affects 47 locals in 13 Northeastern and Midwest states essentially the former B&O and Conrail lines now operated by CSX.
UTU International Vice President John Previsich assisted in the negotiations leading to the ratification vote. The local chairpersons voted unselfishly and in the best interests of their membership, Previsich said.
General Chairpersons George Casey (GO 081), John Lesniewski (GO 049) now-retired Dick McVeen (GO 619) and Tony Pascarella (GO 619), and vice general chairpersons Jeremy Ferguson (GO 049) and Steve Mavity (GO 049), were praised for their efforts toward reaching this favorable agreement.
