IAM District 19 Members Vote to Accept Freight Rail Agreement

WASHINGTON, Nov. 5, 2022 – Approximately 4,900 members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) District 19 have voted to accept the latest Tentative Agreement with the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC).

IAM District 19 released the following statement:

“IAM District 19 members have accepted the Tentative Agreement. We are confident that this is the best deal for our members. District 19 leadership worked day and night to communicate the agreement’s benefits and what would happen if it was rejected.

“With 59% of the membership participating in the vote, the agreement was ratified with 52% of voting members accepting the agreement.

“Our union recognizes that the agreement wasn’t accepted overwhelmingly, so our team will continue conversing with our members at our rail yards across the nation. This agreement is the first step in addressing some of the issues in our industry. Our fight was able to shine a light on the work-life balance issues as well as the lack of proper paid sick leave. Our union will continue to amplify the deficiencies in the carriers’ sick leave and attendance policies. We want to thank IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. for his steady leadership and counsel throughout this process.

“We look forward to sitting down with the carriers to find a solution to the overtime policies in our industry. The IAM is grateful for the support of President Biden, Secretary of Labor Walsh, and other allies for creating the space that allowed us to work towards a solution for our members. This agreement is essential in giving our members the respect and dignity they have earned during their careers.”

Highlights of the improved Ratified Agreement include:

• A Cap in Healthcare Costs: A monthly Health and Welfare Plan employee contributions limit to no more than $398.97 through 2025 until a new agreement is reached.
• Single Room Occupancy: For the first time, we will have codified language in our agreement requiring your employers to provide roadway mechanics with their own sleeping rooms while on travel. Previously, this could have been changed by the employers without further negotiation.
• Travel Expenses and Per Diem: The carriers have agreed to bargain with us within 60 days of ratification over travel expenses and per diem.
• Overtime: For the first time, we also got the carriers to agree to a joint study on overtime, forced overtime policies, and overtime meal options.
• A 24% compounded general wage increase.
• A $5,000 service recognition bonus.
• Full retroactive pay, within 60 days of contract ratification. 
• An additional paid day off for all members, including a paid day off for all newly hired employees hired before September 30 of each year.
• Enhanced hearing benefits and added coverage for diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
• A “Me-Too” clause ensures IAM Rail Division members will receive the same additional value if another union reaches an agreement that improves the terms of this agreement.

IAM District 19 represents Locomotive Machinists, Roadway Mechanics, and Facility Maintenance Personnel at NCCC freight rail carriers. 

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers is one of the largest and most diverse industrial trade unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries.

goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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