Schumer Visits District 19 Members in Hornell, NY

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer joined IAM District 19 leadership, to urge the Department of Transportation to green light Amtrak’s efforts to buy brand new Acela trains. At Alstom Transport in Hornell, NY, Schumer, alongside Directing General Chairman John Lacey and General Chairman Gary Naylor, said the roughly $3 billion train project could significantly improve rail safety, Amtrak service and boost the local economy.

The project would create hundreds of good paying middle-class jobs in communities like Hornell. Schumer explained that Amtrak is currently seeking the necessary federal approvals to purchase the new high-speed trains for service along the Northeast Corridor, which could mean great things for Upstate New York.

“Allowing Amtrak to purchase new Acela trains would be a huge step forward in improving rail safety and service in the northeast,” said Schumer. “This could have the potential to create good-paying middle-class jobs for Upstate New Yorkers at companies like Alstom…That’s why I’m calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation to give Amtrak the federal approvals needed to produce new, state-of-the-art trains from companies like these.”

Once Amtrak gains approval to purchase the new trains, jobs will be created. Schumer hopes to bring the jobs to his state. If awarded to Alstom Transport, this contract could provide a big boost to IAM membership in upstate New York. The company anticipates the contract would create more than 500 new Machinist jobs in Hornell.

Schumer praised the IAM and District 19 for their efforts on Capitol Hill and their steadfast work in negotiating excellent labor agreements for the Machinists at Alstom and around the country.

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