Union Pacific Railroad (NYSE: UNP) and the American Train Dispatchers Association reached an agreement guaranteeing lifetime job security for union members in connection with Union Pacific's proposed merger with Norfolk Southern Corporation, according to a company statement.

The agreement ensures that ATDA members employed at the time of the merger will retain job security for life, subject to standard employment requirements. The deal represents the sixth union agreement Union Pacific has secured for the proposed combination.

"With Union Pacific guaranteeing our members work as ATDA Train Dispatchers for life, committing to the preservation of their right to their union work, and collaborating with us to maintain their stability, I now support their effort to merge with Norfolk Southern," said ATDA President L. Ed Dowell.

Union Pacific has previously reached similar agreements with five other unions, including the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation workers – Transportation Division, the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers, the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, and the United Supervisors Council of America.

The proposed merger would create what the companies describe as America's first single-line, coast-to-coast railroad. Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena stated the agreement demonstrates the company's commitment to employees and confidence in the merger's benefits.

Union Pacific operates in 23 western states and connects customers to the global economy through freight rail services.