Under the 2023 BNSF Meal Per Diem Agreement, every Assistant Signalman, Signalman, Foreman and MCT may choose, on an annual basis, to receive a daily meal allowance in lieu of actual and necessary expenses for meals.  The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for April 2026 experienced an increase of approximately 2.6% when compared to the CPI reading for September 2025.  Therefore, as of June 1, 2026, the daily per diem rate rose accordingly to $65.75 per workday. 

The second adjustment for 2026 will be based on CPI data for October and will be effective as of the first day of December.  In order to provide up-to-date information for those of you considering the meal per diem option during open enrollment, we will release those  numbers as early in November as possible.  Enrollments made during the November enrollment window will be applicable for the entirety of 2027.