SMART-TD workers at Union Pacific earn much-deserved paid sick leave

International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers - Transportation Division General Chairpersons Scott Chelette and Luke Edington appeared on the America’s Work Force Union Podcast and spoke about the addition of paid sick days to the Collective Bargaining Agreement of Union Pacific workers. They also talked about their negotiation history with Union Pacific and the union’s next steps in the process.

Chelette admitted the process to gain sick days for Union Pacific Workers was a challenge. He discussed the process and pointed to the national negotiations as the starting point for getting paid sick days. The union contacted government officials and explained the need for paid sick days for workers after the national negotiations. These discussions led the government to pressure Union Pacific, which agreed to a tentative deal that provides workers with nine paid sick days.

Historically, negotiations with Union Pacific have been complex, as the union has only won when there is outside pressure on the employer, Edington said. In this case, not only was there pressure from government officials, but Union Pacific received backlash after two other competitors agreed to give their employees paid sick leave. In a battle of good press, Union Pacific backed into the position to agree to provide the paid sick days and come off like a hero or not give in and receive more public backlash. 

While this is only a tentative agreement, both Chelette and Edington believe it will soon be approved by union members, as a vote takes place today. The agreement — originally written by Edington and further developed by the other General Chairpersons — features a couple more issues to be negotiated. The hope is high that they will be successful in the next steps of the process and continue to create a safe workplace for all Union Pacific employees.

Listen to the entire episode to learn more.