Marking the adoption of an innovative agreement between the UTU and CSXT in Jacksonville, Fla., that keeps 650 UTU-represented workers on the payroll are (from left, front row) Michael Ward, CSXT president; Charles L. Little, UTU international president; Kenneth R. Peifer, CSXT vice president-labor relations, and (from left, back row) Larry Moody, general chairperson (L&N); John Hancock, general chairperson (SCL); Mike Nicoletti, CSXT assistant vice president-culture & employee relations; Al Crown, CSXT executive vice president-transportation; Terry Reed, general chairperson (B&O), and Susan Hamilton, CSXT assistant vice president-labor relations.

UTU announces innovative job agreement with CSXT
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- United Transportation Union (UTU) International President Charles L. Little has announced an innovative agreement with CSX Transportation Inc. (CSXT) that preserves paychecks for about 650 UTU-represented workers.

"This is another example of the cultural change occurring between CSXT and the UTU that should be the model for labor-management relations in the rail industry," Little said.

The unique agreement, announced by Little and CSXT President Michael J. Ward on Monday, January 8, presents a "win/win" solution that keeps UTU workers on the payroll while helping CSXT deal with an employment surplus, Little said.

Under the terms of the agreement, CSXT will offer some employees permanent transfers to areas on its system in need of conductors and trainmen, and at the same time will establish brakeman positions on some conductor-only assignments, which will be retained if customer service and operating efficiency improve.

In addition, UTU workers who have not yet qualified and would otherwise face furlough will be placed in training positions, while CSXT will establish "supplemental furlough pools" from which employees will be called to work or to participate in training activities. Such workers will be paid $1,200 bi-weekly and retain their medical coverage.

Joining Little and Ward at a special ceremony in Jacksonville, Fla., were UTU General Chairpersons Larry Moody (L&N), John Hancock (SCL) and Terry Reed (B&O), who played integral roles in making the unique initiative a reality.

"Brothers Reed, Hancock and Moody, as well as CSX General Chairpersons Randy Sargent and Randy Pullen, are to be commended for their insight, perseverance and dedication to fellow UTU members in crafting this agreement," said Little.

"Their creative and cooperative approach benefits all concerned and serves as an example for the industry."

Also on hand representing CSXT were Mike Nicoletti, assistant vice president-culture & employee relations; Al Crown, executive vice president-transportation, and Susan Hamilton, assistant vice president-labor relations.

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