Shifting Views on Pattern Agreement

SMART-TD recently commissioned a survey across BNSF, Norfolk Southern (NS), and Canadian National (CN) members — the three Class I railroads currently engaged in the 2025 National Agreement negotiations. The survey was conducted by the DFM Group, an impartial research organization, to measure our membership’s views on key issues under negotiation. 

One of the most significant topics within the survey relates to the “pattern agreement,” which has already been ratified by a majority of other rail unions. The framework is similar in many ways to the tentative agreement our members at NS and BNSF rejected in the last round of negotiations. 

Conversations with local officers across our union indicate that crews may be rethinking their position on the pattern agreement since that last vote, and our negotiating team needs to understand these changes clearly. The survey helped measure the extent of these changes in attitude. 

The results are telling: only 31% of respondents said they opposed the framework of the pattern agreement, while the majority favor it. Union leadership was surprised by the high level of support for the pattern agreement.  

The survey confirms that the temperature in our crew bases has shifted, and there is genuine interest in reevaluating this agreement. While no decisions are being made solely on survey data, this feedback is invaluable. 

SMART-TD extends sincere thanks to the members who were randomly selected for their participation. Your honesty and input are critical to our ability to represent the will of our brothers and sisters, and that these negotiations reflect your priorities.  

We should have more information soon, and SMART News will be sure to keep you informed.