Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen

06/19/2026

06/13/2026

BRS members working on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) have voted to ratify a new agreement by a margin of 96%, bringing to a close a bargaining process that spanned several years and culminated in a historic coalition-wide strike and voluntary agreement with the carrier.
The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) was part of a five-union coalition representing approximately 3,500 LIRR workers. The coalition included BRS, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, and the Transportation Communications Union.
The strike began just after midnight on Saturday, May 16, after members of the coalition went years without general wage increases while bargaining for a new agreement. Wages remained a central issue throughout negotiations as workers faced rising inflation and the high cost of living on Long Island.
“Our members stood strong throughout this process, and that solidarity made the difference,” said Michael Sullivan, BRS LIRR General Chairman. “The Signalmen of the Long Island Rail Road take pride in the work they do to keep the railroad safe and reliable for the riding public. By ratifying this agreement, our members have made their decision, and that decision reflects the strength, unity, and determination they showed throughout this fight.”
The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen extends its sincere appreciation to the members of the LIRR Bargaining Coalition, whose unity and solidarity strengthened the position of all represented employees throughout these negotiations.
“Commuter and passenger rail workers play a vital role in safely moving the public every day, and they deserve an agreement that reflects that responsibility,” said BRS Vice President Commuter/Passenger Tim Tarrant. “This agreement is the result of persistence, unity, and a clear understanding that our members were asking for a fair contract that keeps pace with the cost of living and respects the essential work they perform.”
With ratification complete, BRS recognizes the resolve of its LIRR members, the strength of the five-union coalition, and the support shown by members, families, allies, and the riding public throughout the dispute.
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https://www.brs.org/?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&HomeID=996893

06/11/2026

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06/10/2026

Stop the Rail Merger Coalition —
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern once again fail to fix problems with flawed merger.

Union Pacific (UP) and Norfolk Southern (NS) have had two chances to make their case to the Surface Transportation Board (STB) for what would be the largest railroad merger in American history. Twice, they have now come up short.

https://washingtonreporter.news/op-ed-stop-the-rail-merger-coalition-union-pacific-and-norfolk-souther-once-again-fail-to-fix-problems-with-flawed-merger/

06/05/2026

Written by Mike Baldwin President, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; Kenneth Cooper, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers; and Tony Cardwell, President, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes

"The railroad industry is once again talking about “modernization,” “productivity,” “automation” and “regulatory flexibility.” Those words may sound harmless in an investor briefing or a management dinner, but railroad workers know they often carry a much different meaning on the ground."

The railroad industry is once again talking about “modernization,” “productivity,” “automation” and “regulatory flexibility.” Those words may sound harmless in an investor briefing or a management dinner, but railroad workers […]

06/05/2026

The BRS has prepared a short solidarity video recognizing the unity shown during the LIRR strike. The video serves as a tribute to the members of the LIRR Bargaining Coalition, the BRS members on the property, and the working families and members of the public who stood with railroad workers throughout the fight.

To the riders, families, and communities affected by the disruption: we recognize that this strike came at a real cost to your daily lives. Missed trains, longer commutes, changed plans, and added stress are not small things.

Your patience and understanding helped give railroad workers the space to stand for a fair agreement, and that solidarity will not be forgotten.

Watch the video here:

After years of stalled bargaining, federal mediation, and two Presi...

06/02/2026

On May 20, 2026, BRS Vice President Headquarters Chris Hand and National Legislative Director Mike Efaw met with Pete Meachum, Chief of Staff to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, to discuss potential regulatory changes impacting railroad signal systems and highway-rail grade crossing warning devices.

During the meeting, Chris Hand and Mike Efaw stressed the importance of human oversight, transparency, and accountability in maintaining the highest safety standards possible throughout the rail industry. They emphasized that technology can support safety, but it cannot replace trained Signal employees performing hands-on inspections, testing, and maintenance of safety-critical systems.

VP Hand stated, “The BRS is reaching out directly to Secretary Duffy, so he fully understands the importance of retaining these commonsense protections. Strong oversight, accountability, and human involvement are essential to ensuring the United States continues to have the safest and most efficient freight and passenger rail system in the world.”

Secretary Duffy stopped in during the meeting to personally introduce himself and reaffirm the Department of Transportation’s commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with the BRS on issues affecting railroad safety, signal systems, and highway-rail grade crossing protections.

The discussion focused on preserving rigorous safety standards across the rail industry and ensuring that any future regulatory changes continue to prioritize the protection of railroad employees, the traveling public, and the communities served by the nation’s rail network.

05/28/2026

"WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Surface Transportation Board today accepted the Union Pacific Railroad (UP)– Norfolk Southern (NS) merger application but delayed the review process to collect vital information that is still missing from the railroads’ revised application. The STB has put a hold on the application as it asks for more information. We appreciate the Board’s thorough and thoughtful approach to make a fully informed decision regarding the largest and most complex rail consolidation in U.S. history."

Click the Link for Full Article:

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Surface Transportation Board today accepted the Union Pacific (UP)–Norfolk Southern (NS) merger application but delayed the review process to collect vital information...