As all BRS members are now aware, our national agreement was signed into law by President Biden on December 2, 2022.  In accordance with the clear language of the imposed agreement, the Carriers have 60 days from the date of signing to pay the retroactive portion of the wage increases. This means retroactive wage payments should be received no later than January 31, 2023. As of the writing of this article, we have yet to receive a response from the KCS regarding anticipated payment dates.  On the BNSF, wage rates will be adjusted for second half earnings in January and retroactive wage payments will be issued on January 30^th, per BNSF. 

The committee urges every member to be diligent in verifying the accuracy of your retroactive wage payment.  Unlike previous rounds, there will be no reduction to retro payments to offset healthcare costs.  As noted in another article, increases to healthcare contributions will not be effective until 1/1/23.  The following chart should be used as a guide only but will give you an estimate of what to expect in retroactive payments, based upon your average earnings. 

The above calculations are estimates only and are based on wage rates being made effective on 1/1/23.  On the BNSF, retro payments for your first half January 2023 earnings will also be added to the figures above, based on the timeline BNSF announced for payment of retroactive wages. Again, do not assume the Carrier will pay you appropriately.  Please verify with your paystubs and report any discrepancies.