(The Associated Press circulated the following on March 25, 2009.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Amtrak says thousands of employees who worked for years under an outdated contract will soon receive a remaining $145 million in back pay.
Amtrak agreed to pay the unionized workers over two years. So far, the national passenger railroad has paid out $428 million. The rest of the money will be awarded May 1.
Amtrak spokeswoman Tracy Connell said Tuesday the money will come from a combination of congressional appropriations and Amtrak general funds.
A deal with Amtrak’s workers was reached in January 2008 after they came close to striking following years of unsuccessful mediation. The railroad has about 16,000 union-covered employees. Some workers had been without an updated contract for eight years.