The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) has reached a tentative agreement with the National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) for a contract covering 7,800 railroad machinists, according to the unions.

The IAM Negotiating Committee has recommended ratification of the tentative agreement, and ratification voting is expected to be completed by the union members mid-September.

"The negotiators worked hard at the bargaining table," said IAM general vice president Robert Roach. "Our members will now have their chance to review and vote on the agreement."

The IAM negotiated as part of a union coalition along with the Transportation Communications Union, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Transport Workers Union, representing more than 36,000 workers. Each union will ratify the agreement independently.

The NCCC represents major US freight rail carriers, including Burlington Northern Santa Fe, CSX, Kansas City Southern, Norfolk Southern and Union Pacific.

Negotiations began in November 2004 for agreements that became amendable on January 1, 2005. The tentative agreements cover four major crafts: machinists, carmen, clerks and electricians.