Tentative Agreement Reached With CPKC

On April 13, 2026, SMART-TD’s General Committee of Adjustment (GCA) 457 reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) with the CPKC Railway covering members in the Central and Southern Regions. This agreement represents years of work to secure strong wages, protect benefits, and improve quality of life for our members.

Ballots will be mailed to all eligible SMART-TD members of GCA 457 beginning April 29, 2026. Voting will remain open through May 21, 2026, and will be conducted by BallotPoint. This is the same secure and trusted election service used in previous national and carrier-specific agreement votes.

An 8-Year Agreement with Industry-Leading Gains

This Tentative Agreement spans eight years, making it three years longer than the standard “pattern” agreements reached at other carriers across other crafts in the rail industry. This extended term provides long-term stability, predictability, and sustained wage growth for our membership.

One of the most significant highlights is a 32.5% General Wage Increase (GWI) over the life of the agreement. The first increase is effective July 1, 2025, with continued increases each year through 2033, steadily raising pay rates across all classifications.

If ratified by GCA 457 membership, the general wage increase will be retroactive to July 1, 2025.

Protection of Benefits and Core Agreements

The TA protects the National Health and Welfare plan for both current and future members. GCA 457 General Chairperson, Sam Habjan, pointed out just how critical priority is in today’s bargaining environment. It also reaffirms crew consist protections, maintaining the integrity of our agreements and preserving jobs.

Quality of Life Improvements

In addition to a 32.5% wage gain, this agreement includes meaningful improvements to members’ quality of life:

• Scheduled Rest: All employees, including extra boards and pool service, will receive at least two consecutive rest days each workweek.
• Held Away Pay: Members held away from their home terminal will receive continuous pay after 16 hours, improving compensation during extended delays.
• Meal Allowances: Additional meal payments are provided when tied up away from home.
• Personal Leave Improvements: Enhanced personal leave structure, with up to 12 days based on years of service, while protecting all existing entitlements.

Earnings and Work Opportunities

The agreement establishes clear pay structures and predictable earnings potential across multiple work schedules, including 5×2, 6×2, and 4×3 assignments. These structures provide members with the ability to plan their work-life balance while benefiting from increased compensation over time.

Guaranteed Extra Board provisions and alternative work opportunities, such as Alternate Training Status (ATS), also provide income stability during periods of reduced service.

Work Rule and Contract Improvements

Additional provisions in the TA include:

• Defined basic day and overtime rules, ensuring overtime compensation after 10 hours of service
• Improved claim handling and discipline timelines, reducing delays in resolving issues
• Clear rules governing job assignments, bidding, and scheduling under a 7-day mark system

Vacation qualifications and usage have also been clarified, allowing members greater flexibility, including the ability to take vacation in single-day increments.

What methods will be used for voting

Packets mailed on April 29th will include personalized 12-digit access codes and instructions for dial-in telephonic voting. In the following week, text message and email reminders will be sent out to all eligible members who have not yet voted. Those electronic messages will include links to vote using a secure web-based portal.

When will voting end? How soon will we see the results?

Our 21-day ratification will close on Thursday, May 21, at 5:00 p.m. (ET). Results will be announced the following morning.

Is it true that if I abstain from voting, my vote is automatically counted as a vote to “ACCEPT”?

Despite this being completely false, the rumor circulates every time we have a tentative agreement. Every vote is important, and only the votes cast will get counted, so don’t miss your opportunity!

What should I do if I don’t receive a ballot in the mail?

In most cases, this happens when members fail to update SMART-TD with their current home address. Occasionally, there are delays with USPS. If you still haven’t received your ballot by the second week of May, please contact us by calling (620) 704-5384, or by sending an email to: smarttdgca457@gmail.com

A Step Forward and a Voice for Every Member 

We sincerely hope that our members recognize the value and importance of this TA and the hard work that went into arriving at this point. In any case, we encourage all members to vote and make your voice heard.

We also encourage all members to review the full TA, which can be found here and forward any questions they have to their Local Chairperson and/or General Chairperson. It is important to cast an informed and educated vote!