Workers at Americanos USA, LLC in Laredo, TX voted "yes" in May to join the IAM. The workers joined with IAM members across Texas and California, culminating in a first contract for IAM members at all nine Americanos locations.
More that 150 members ratified the new three-year agreement by a 9 to 1 margin. The contract provides minimum wage increases of 3.29 percent in the first year; 3.15 percent in the second, and 3.05 percent in the third year. The agreement also provides: a one cent per mile safety bonus for drivers; one additional week of vacation; five sick days, and additional floater holiday; and uniform and tool allowances.
Ratification of the contract caps a four-year effort by Americanos workers to win IAM representation. After losing in 2006, workers ralllied back to win their first election in El Paso, Tx in 2009 and continued until all nine locations were on board.
"Before we filed for elecitons, we wanted the workers to thoroughly understand the organizng process and what they could expect from the company during the campaign", said Automotive Coordinator and lead negotiator Boysen Anderson. "This contract could not have happened without the solidarity of our Americanos members, nor without the experience and expertise of Grand Lodge Representative Macario Camorlinga and Business Representative Mark Hammond."
Americanos USA, owned by Greyhound Lines, Inc. provides cross-border bus service to destinaitons in northern Mexico. The new agreement covers their full-time and regular part-time drivers, full-time and regular part-time mechanics, parts employees, bus washers, service technicians, helpers, full-time and part-time ticket agents, baggage handlers, janitors and lead operations supervisors.
