July 10 (UPI) — In a significant development, Union Pacific has finalized a tentative agreement to extend additional paid sick leave benefits to the members of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers union.
The progressive agreement, which was officially signed and announced by the railroad company on Sunday, guarantees up to eight days of paid sick leave per year to approximately 5,900 employees, according to the official statement.
While Union Pacific already offers some form of paid leave, this agreement allows SMART-TD members to benefit from an additional five paid sick days. Furthermore, starting from next year, employees will have the option to exchange three days of paid leave for paid sick days.
“I want to express my gratitude to the leadership of SMART-TD for their unwavering support as we collaborate to create an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to deliver exceptional service to our esteemed customers,” stated Lance Fritz, the Chairman, President, and CEO of Union Pacific.
Union Pacific Railroad currently stands as the second-largest railroad company in operation within the United States.
Earlier in February, the company had successfully reached agreements with the National Conference of Fireman and Oilers as well as the Brotherhood of Railway Carman to offer up to seven paid sick days per year.
It is worth noting that paid sick days were noticeably absent from the legislation signed by President Joe Biden in December to prevent a nationwide railroad strike. Nonetheless, the legislation did secure a noteworthy 25% wage increase for rail workers.
“I am aware that this bill lacks the inclusion of paid sick leave, which is undeniably deserved by these rail workers and, in fact, every American worker,” remarked President Biden. “However, this fight is far from over. I did not make a commitment to abandon it just because we couldn’t incorporate it into this bill. I have long been a proponent of paid sick leave, and I will continue to fight until we achieve success.”
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