Freight rail members of the IAM Railroad Division will receive a compounded across-the-board pay increase of 24% over five years if new tentative agreements reached with railroads bargaining under the National Carrier Conference Committee (NCCC) are ratified by the membership.
“This comes after a long, tough process that began almost three years ago and led us through every step of the Railway Labor Act, including a Presidential Emergency Board,” said Josh Hartford, IAM special assistant to the international president.
“Since serving Section Six Notices, your IAM Rail Division leaders have fought tirelessly, advocating in your best interests and demanding a fair agreement,” he added.
IAM Rail Division said it fully supports the tentative agreements and recommends that members vote “yes”.
Among the highlights of the tentative agreements secured by the IAM Rail Division negotiating committee are:
- Members of the IAM Rail Section will receive the highest General Wage Increases (GWIs) ever achieved through National Freight Bargaining. That means a GWI of 22% (24% compounded) over five years and includes US$5,000 in recognition bonuses
- Full retroactive pay
- An additional day of paid leave for all members which they can use as a Personal Leave Day, Single Vacation Day or Personal Holiday
- Enhanced hearing benefits and additional coverage for the diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder while protecting all the great benefits of health care plans
- A “Me-Too” clause, which ensures that IAM Rail Division members will receive the same additional value if another union reaches an agreement that improves the terms of this agreement
“Your IAM Rail Division knows the TA’s would not have been possible without all of Rail Labor standing together,” said Hartford.
“We fought side by side against the carriers’ attack on wages and healthcare benefits. We stood together and pushed back against work rule changes that would have affected every rail union member. Our solidarity has resulted in a truly historic victory for IAM Rail Division members and every rail worker,” he added.
