March 13, 2008 - After more than eight years of negotiations, aggressive lobbying on Capitol Hill, rallies to garner public support and setting a strike deadline, IAM members at Amtrak have overcome countless Bush administration obstacles to finally ratify a new contract.
“This agreement was made possible because of the strong leadership and unwavering support from the officers and members of Railroad District 19,” said General Vice President Robert Roach, Jr. “Amtrak failed to negotiate in good faith and the National Mediation Board ignored their statutory mandate to foster agreements, but IAM members refused to give up the fight.”
“This agreement will cost Amtrak more than $150 million over its final proposal,” said District 19 President Joe Duncan. “Most importantly, all existing job security provisions, which Amtrak sought to destroy, have been preserved.”
Retroactive wage increases, due in two installments, are calculated beginning from July 2001 with annual raises. Wage increases will continue until July 2009. Complete details of the agreement are available on the District 19 website, www.iamdl19.org.
