IAM District 19 has reached a tentative five-year agreement with Amtrak covering 555 Machinists at the nation’s passenger rail carrier. The tentative agreement, covering wages, health insurance and work rules, is being sent to the Amtrak membership for review and with a ratification recommendation from District 19.
“This agreement was made possible by an effective negotiating committee, a strong membership and a White House that recognizes the need for a strong Amtrak,” said Railroad Coordinator Joe Duncan.
This tentative agreement was reached after four months of negotiations. In contrast, the previous round of bargaining took more than eight years and intervention from a Presidential Emergency Board before an agreement was reached.
The IAM negotiated as part of a coalition with the TCU, Transport Workers Union and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, who all reached identical economic terms. Wages will increase 14 percent over the life of the agreement, with the first increase coming on July 1, 2010, and no design changes to the healthcare plan except modifications to emergency room co-payments.
Complete details of the agreement are being sent to District 19 Local Lodges for dissemination to their Amtrak members.
