On July 29, 2025, Union Pacific Railroad announced plans to acquire Norfolk Southern Railway in a $72 billion transaction. As two of the four largest railroads in the United States, the combined $250 billion company1 would become the country’s first consolidated transcontinental railroad system, and the largest ever railroad company in the United States. Because of the clear harms to competition and anticipated regulatory reaction, no transcontinental merger of this kind has ever been attempted — until now.
NOVEMBER 11, 2025 – The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) announces that Signalmen at Norfolk Southern Railway (NS) have ratified a new five-year collective bargaining agreement. The agreement covers nearly 970 members who ensure the safety and reliability of signal and train-control systems across the carrier’s network.
In an overnight marathon session, the Illinois General Assembly has passed a massive $1.5 billion bill to address a looming mass transit “fiscal cliff.”
The rescue package will include an increase in tolls on Illinois Tollways, and will also shift millions of dollars in motor fuel sales tax revenues to transit purposes, along with interest on the state’s road fund.
Union Pacific is awaiting regulatory approval for a merger with Norfolk Southern that would create the country’s first transcontinental freight railroad. CEO Jim Vena is reportedly attempting to get Trump’s support for the deal and met with the president last month to discuss the benefits of the proposed merger.
Railroad retirement benefits will rise in 2026 thanks to higher earnings limits and a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA).
Beginning in January 2026, most railroad retirement annuities will increase based on a 2.8% rise in the Consumer Price Index. The tier I portion of an annuity will increase by 2.8%, and the tier II portion by 0.9%.
In November 1977, the BRS launched a contest to name our new signal mascot. The winning choice, “Signalman Sam,” debuted in January 1978 and appeared on the cover of The Signalman’s Journal until his retirement in 1983.
In 2024, Sam received a much-needed facelift and was reintroduced as the official BRS mascot. You will see him in our publications, at local gatherings, and out in the wild as part of our sticker campaign. If you spot Sam, snap a photo and send it toinfo@brs.org with the subject: Signalman Sam.
Keep your eyes peeled.
Brother Richard Thielke, Local 56, volunteers for American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). Brother Thielke's support is driven to bring attention to mental health issues.
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Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen
917 Shenandoah Shores Road
Front Royal, VA 22630 (540) 622-6522
