This story originally appeared on Trains.com. ATLANTA — Norfolk Southern announced Tuesday that it has reached a tentative five-year agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. The deal, which is subject to ratification, brings the railroad closer to agreements with its unionized workforce, with tentative deals now in place for approximately 67% of its union employees.

"Norfolk Southern is committed to working with all of our labor unions to ensure that our craft railroaders receive the best possible pay and benefits for the contributions they make every day to power the American economy," said Norfolk Southern CEO Mark R. George in a press release. "We’re delighted to reach this new tentative agreement with IBEW so that we can reward these employees, without delay, for the critical work they do to keep the steel wheels rolling."

The proposed agreement includes an average annual wage increase of 3.5% over the next five years, offers increased vacation time earlier in an employee's career, and introduces what the railroad describes as "meaningful enhancements" to health care benefits.

"I would like to thank CEO Mark George, Norfolk Southern, and IBEW Railroad Director Al Russo for their efforts to provide this tentative agreement for our members," said Tom Owens, general chairman of IBEW System Council 6. "Our hardworking men and women deserve the opportunity to participate in this unique moment in the negotiation process. It is appropriate they receive meaningful recognition for the