CSX Corporation and two unions, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), announced yesterday an agreement that will enhance benefits for CSX employees and further improve productivity.

Under the tentative agreement, which is being submitted for ratification, members of the IAM and SMART unions will be able to perform a variety of assigned work beyond the traditional boundaries of craft or union affiliation. Covered employees will see increased pay through an hourly skill differential, enhanced ability to retain employment, benefits, and connection to railroad retirement, and an ability to perform additional locomotive rebuild work in-house with CSX employees. This new agreement builds on the success of a similar work-sharing structure implemented at the company’s Huntington Locomotive Shop in 2013.

“This agreement is part of CSX’s focus on promoting a flexible workforce to meet changing business demands, and developing opportunities to retain and support our highly skilled workforce,” said Cressie Brown, vice president for labor relations at CSX.

“This new agreement is the result of tireless work between representatives from IAM, SMART and CSX, and demonstrates our collective commitment to finding innovative ways to support our employees while driving long-term efficiency,” added Lisa Mancini, CSX’s senior vice president and chief administrative officer. “I applaud our union partners for working so closely with us through the lengthy discussions that began in 2013 at our Huntington Locomotive Shop.”

The agreement enhances job opportunities, job security, and workers’ ability to transfer across the system, while also improving training and supporting skill development, according to SMART General President Joseph Sellers, Jr. “Across the board, we are taking an innovative look at building relationships that support our common interests now and into the future,” he said.

“This tentative agreement provides new options for CSX employees,” said Jeff Doerr, IAM President and Directing General Chairman, “giving them more control of their careers, by expanding on the efficiencies gained from our previous partnership at Huntington, West Virginia, while providing CSX with the tools they need to have the most efficient locomotive maintenance team in the industry.”