(The following appeared on the Progressive Railroading website on May 27, 2010.)
Carmen and clerical members of the Amtrak Service Workers Council (ASWC) recently ratified a new five-year agreement with Amtrak. Carmen voted 493-431 and clerks voted 983-407 in favor of the contract.
The agreement calls for a 15 percent general wage increase, beginning with a 1.5 percent raise on July 1. The contract also caps future health-care contributions, freezes co-pays and deductibles, and includes no work rule concessions. ASWC represents all Amtrak onboard service workers.
“Unlike past rounds on Amtrak, which were marked by bitter, protracted bargaining, we are happy that our carmen and clerical members will begin receiving wage increases immediately,” said Robert Scardelletti, president of the Transportation Communications Union International, in a prepared statement.
Meanwhile, ASWC members who are represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) must submit their ratification ballots by June 18.
“This is an excellent agreement that provides our members what they deserve: solid wage increases, without delay,” said TWU Railroad Division Director Gary Maslanka.