Labor Update for September 9, 2022

Date
Sep 9, 2022

Dear BNSF Customers,

For the past two months, I have been updating you on the progress of rail labor negotiations. While we have made significant progress with several of the unions, we must have every union under an agreement to avoid a strike or other job action that will impact the movement of your freight. Due to the possibility of an interruption of service when the cooling off period expires September 16, we will begin to take steps to manage and secure the shipments of hazardous and security-sensitive materials as early as Monday, September 12.

These are necessary steps to ensure we are handling security sensitive and hazardous cargo in accordance with federal regulations and also to ensure that no hazardous cargo is left unattended or unsecured in the event of a work stoppage. While these preparations are necessary, it does not mean that a work stoppage is inevitable. BNSF and the other railroads continue to work with the remaining unions to reach voluntary agreements based on the PEB’s recommendations to avoid interruption to rail service. We will continue to update you as the situation evolves.

With that deadline one week away, I am asking you to take action today. Please contact your U.S. Senators and Representative to let them know the impact a rail service interruption would have on your business and your customers. It is critical that Congress hear from freight rail customers as soon as possible. If there is a labor strike on September 16, Congress can intervene to prevent or quickly resolve the service disruption. We would ask that you urge Congress to impose the recommendations of President Biden’s Presidential Emergency Board, which formed the basis for agreements already reached with several of the unions.

To send a message to your Congressional delegation text “PEB” to 52886. Click on the link and populate an email of support from you to your elected officials.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to keep America’s freight moving. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your marketing representative.

Sincerely,

Steve Bobb
Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer