IAM Reaches Another Tentative Contract

A railroad union whose members rejected an earlier tentative new labor contract has reached a second agreement.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, Division 19 said the latest pact is stronger than the contract rejected by its members. The union represents railroad mechanics.

The second agreement was reached through negotiations with the National Carriers Conference Committee, which represents railroad management, after talks began Sept. 26.

The union said the latest agreement provides a cap on healthcare costs of no more than $398.97 through 2025 until a new agreement is reached.

It also included new language providing single room occupancy for railroads to provide roadway mechanics with their own sleeping rooms while traveling on company business.

The carriers also agreed to negotiate with the union over travel expenses and per diem within 60 days of the ratification of the contract.

Also in the contract is an agreement by the carriers to conduct a joint study with the union of overtime, forced overtime policies and overtime meal options.

In a statement, the union said the latest contract agreement includes provisions from the earlier rejected contract as to wages, including a 24 percent compounded general wage increase; a $5,000 service recognition bonus; full retroactive pay, within 60 days of contract ratification, amounting up to $11,950, based on average pay hours (overtime and straight time); an additional paid day off for all members including a paid day off for all newly hired employees hired before Sept. 30 of each year; enhanced hearing benefits, and added coverage for diagnosis and treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder

The union and NCCC agreed not to conduct any work stoppages through Dec. 9 to give union members time to vote on ratification of the contract

The IAM agreement means that all 12 railroad labor unions have either ratified or are in ratification process regarding tentative contract agreements with the NCCC.

Tags: International Association of Machnists and Aerospace Workers, labor agreements, Labor contracts, labor disputes, labor unions, National Carriers Conference Committee, Railroad labor unions