BNSF Yardmaster Agreement: What You Need to Know

If you live near a railroad or are involved in the transportation industry, you may have heard of the BNSF yardmaster agreement. This agreement, reached between the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Company (BNSF) and the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS), involves the role and responsibilities of yardmasters in BNSF facilities across the United States.

What is a yardmaster?

A yardmaster is a key position in a railroad yard. They are responsible for coordinating the movement of trains, locomotives, and railcars within the yard, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and safely. Yardmasters also communicate with other railroad employees, such as train crews and dispatchers, to ensure that trains are moving on time and according to schedule.

What does the agreement cover?

The BNSF yardmaster agreement outlines the duties and responsibilities of yardmasters, as well as their working conditions and compensation. Some of the key provisions of the agreement include:

– Pay scales: The agreement sets out a pay scale for yardmasters, based on their years of experience and the size of the yard they work in.

– Hours of service: Yardmasters are required to work a minimum of eight hours per day, but can work up to 12 hours if necessary.

– Overtime pay: Yardmasters are entitled to overtime pay for any hours worked beyond their regular schedule.

– Safety: The agreement includes provisions for ensuring the safety of yardmasters and other railroad workers, including the use of safety equipment and training programs.

– Grievance procedures: The agreement lays out a process for resolving disputes between yardmasters and BNSF management.

Why is the agreement important?

The BNSF yardmaster agreement is important because it helps to ensure that yardmasters are paid fairly and have safe working conditions. It also ensures that BNSF facilities run smoothly and efficiently, which is important for the transportation of goods across the country. The agreement is reviewed periodically to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of both BNSF and the BRS.

In conclusion, the BNSF yardmaster agreement is an important document that outlines the key responsibilities and compensation for yardmasters in BNSF facilities. This agreement helps to ensure that yardmasters are treated fairly and have a safe working environment, while also ensuring that BNSF facilities run smoothly and efficiently. If you are a yardmaster or work in the transportation industry, it is important to understand the provisions of this agreement and how it affects your work.