Dear IAM District 19 Members,
I am pleased to notify the membership of District 19 that we have ratified the Agreement with National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) after a year and half of successful negotiations.
I would like to thank all who participated in the union’s democratic process and congratulate you on your dedication to our great Union.
This is an historic contract. We have made changes that will improve the lives our membership, giving them more time with their families. The improvements include a 30% wage increase over the life of the contract which compounded is a 34.1% increase. Other enhancements to the contract are as follows:
► Apprenticeship as follows 85% 90% 95% of journeyman rate of pay
► MLK Day added to holidays
► Conversion from National Vacation Agreement to PTO Agreement
► 10 weeks of paid parental leave
► Enhanced family planning coverage
► Enhanced hearing aid coverage
► Life insurance increased to $50,000
► Accidental death and dismemberment increased to $25,000
► Enhancements to the bereavement leave rules
Retroactive payments that result from the implementation of this Agreement shall be made to employees within 90 days’ notice of this ratification.
The decision of our membership to ratify this historic Agreement shows the willingness to change and make things better for those who are yet to come. I am prouder than ever to be a member of this great organization. Again, I want thank and congratulate our membership for a job well done!
In Solidarity,
Daniel N. Tavares, Ill
General Chairman