(BRK.A), (BRK.B)
BNSF Railway has reached a new five-year collective bargaining agreement with members of the Transportation Communications Union/IAM (TCU) intermodal group, covering 746 employees at its Cicero, Corwith, Seattle, and Memphis intermodal facilities. The agreement is subject to ratification.
Under the tentative deal, covered employees will receive wage increases totaling 17.5% over five years (18.8% compounded), with retroactive pay beginning July 1, 2025. The agreement also includes accelerated improvements to vacation benefits while preserving health care coverage.
BNSF President and CEO Katie Farmer said the agreement reflects the essential role TCU intermodal team members play in the company’s operations. She emphasized that collaboration remains central to maintaining high standards of safety and customer service.
TCU/IAM National President Matt Hollis praised the bargaining committee’s efforts in securing meaningful gains for members and acknowledged the cooperation of BNSF leadership throughout negotiations.
The tentative agreement aligns with the current national pattern. With this development, 95% of BNSF’s workforce — including 12 of its 13 represented unions — is now covered by either ratified or tentative labor agreements.
© 2026 David Mazor
Disclosure: David Mazor is a freelance writer focusing on Berkshire Hathaway. The author is long in Berkshire Hathaway, and this article is not a recommendation on whether to buy or sell the stock. The information contained in this article should not be construed as personalized or individualized investment advice. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.