2022 Fall Farm Outlook

Page 22 2022 Fall Farm Outlook Lincoln Daily News Oct 2022 per year by the end of the agreement. When health care, retirement, and other benefits are considered, the value of rail employees’ total compensation package, which already ranks among the highest in the nation, would average about $160,000 per year. The agreements also include craft-specific rules for operating craft and maintenance of way employees. Q: What are the adjustments to health care premiums? A: Commencing in 2023, health care premiums will once again be 15 percent of the carriers’ total monthly payment rate – as they were years ago – meaning that the carriers will pay 85 percent of the health care costs incurred by the plan and employees will pay the remaining 15 percent. Starting in 2025, when the national agreement is amendable, employee contributions will be capped until new national agreements are reached. Q: What are the work rules changes? A: In addition to the additional personal leave day for all employees, the operating craft agreements include provisions addressing several scheduling and related matters. The agreement with the BMWED, which covers track maintenance employees, also adjusts travel and away from home expense reimbursement provisions. Q: What happens if ratification is unsuccessful? A: In the event of a failed ratification, the parties have agreed to maintain the status quo for a period of time pending any further discussions and assessment of next steps. As such, a failed ratification does not present risk of an immediate service disruption. In early October, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre spoke about the impending strike, playing down the imminent threat and adding that the White House would be vigilant and stands prepared to assist in coming to an amicable conclusion for all parties. She noted, “These negotiations have gone on for years. This is nothing new. We’ve seen this before.” Indeed, union negotiations in all labor sectors CONTINUED --