Union Pacific Workers Secure New Contract with Key Benefits Achieved

Union Pacific Maintenance Workers Secure Significant Contract Gains

(NOVI, Mich.) – A substantial new contract has been ratified by thousands of workers responsible for maintaining tracks at Union Pacific (UP), as members of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division (BMWED) under the Teamsters Rail Conference.

This contract ratification takes place alongside Union Pacific's recent proposal to merge with Norfolk Southern, potentially forming the largest railroad in U.S. history.

"Sitting on the bargaining committee was an eye-opening experience — one that I am happy to have contributed to and had a voice in," remarked Lee Ziegler, who served on the Union Pacific bargaining committee and is associated with BMWED Lodge 899. "I’m glad that together we were able to come to a resolution that advances our wages and benefits."

Under the newly sanctioned five-year pact, 6,600 Teamsters at Union Pacific are set to receive an 18.5 percent wage increase, alongside enhanced vacation policies and better health and welfare benefits.

Tony Cardwell, President of the BMWED, praised the outcome, stating, "On behalf of the entire BMWED, I would like to congratulate all 6,600 of our brothers and sisters for securing such a strong contract. Especially with the proposed merger, it’s more critical now than ever that our members’ voices are heard and reflected. This agreement ensures this, and because of their hard work and unity, they will enjoy substantial improvements for years to come."

In addition to this achievement, more than 23,000 Teamster members affiliated with the BMWED and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen have successfully ratified new labor contracts since the beginning of the year.

Established in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million members across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. For further details, visit Teamster.org. Stay updated via X at @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.