SMART-YM members ratify new labor agreement with BNSF

FORT WORTH, TEXAS, May 16, 2025 – Members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers’ – Transportation Division (Yardmasters) announced today the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement with BNSF Railway. The five-year agreement, covering more than 320 yardmasters at BNSF, follows the national pattern along with other work rule/process modernization.

“This ratification is affirmation of all the hard work and collaboration that went into this strong agreement that’s good for both our employees and our company,” said Katie Farmer, BNSF president and chief executive officer. “We thank SMART-YM’s leaders and members for their support and for the important role they play in delivering our nation’s freight.”

General Chairman, Yardmasters, Matthew Burkart acknowledged the gains made possible through this new agreement.

“Yardmasters have made significant progress with the ratification of this contract,” Burkart said. “Key benefits include five paid sick days, earlier vacation accrual, and an assigned rest day for extra board Yardmasters. These are the first major gains for the craft since 1997.”

Major terms of the tentative agreement include:

•    Wage increases of 18.8% compounded over five years. Based on current inflation projections, this will translate to real wage growth for covered railroaders with pay certainty for the life of the contract.

•    Enhancements to world-class health and welfare benefits with no increase to the employee contribution rate. In 2025, health care premiums will decrease to about $277/month, well below the national average of more than $500/month for employer-provided family coverage.

•    Access to more paid vacation time for employees earlier in their careers.

•    Modernization of work rules and processes, including paid sick leave, a weekly guaranteed rest day for extra board employees, electronic claim and grievance handling and more.

With this most recent ratification by the Yardmasters, 45 percent of BNSF’s union-represented workforce now have new five-year agreements through this latest labor bargaining round. 

Contact:
Kendall Kirkham Sloan
Director, External Communications
Media@BNSF.com