CSX Corp. announced it has reached a tentative agreement with the Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers, Transportation Division (SMART-TD) to provide SMART-TD Trainmen and Yardmasters with monthly advance payments on future wage adjustments anticipated in settlement of the 2020 round of national bargaining between rail labor and the Class I railroads. CSX also notified its other labor organization representatives that it intends to reach agreements to provide identical payments to all unionized employees.

The tentative agreement with SMART-TD provides that the monthly payments of up to $600 would be made from May 2022 through the end of the year, or until negotiated wage settlement is reached, whichever is earlier. The advance payments would be deducted from any retroactive or future pay increases that may be agreed upon at national bargaining. The 2020 round of bargaining began in November 2019, and the National Rail Carrier Conference and the labor coalitions are currently in mediation before the National Mediation Board.

It is unclear how long it may take for negotiations to conclude. CSX has advised its labor unions and seeks their agreement to implement these advances, as required under the Railway Labor Act.