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United Transportation Union (UTU)-represented train and engine workers employed by Veolia Transportation at Tri-Rail recently approved a new agreement.

The contract includes wage increases retroactive to July 1, 2010, benefit changes, such as a cap on health care contributions, and restrictions on video usage for disciplinary actions, according to the UTU.

In 2007, Veolia Transportation obtained a contract to operate Tri-Rail’s commuter-rail system, which includes 18 stations. Governed by the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority, Tri-Rail operates on 72 miles of former CSX Transportation track serving West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.

Meanwhile, carmen, clerks and supervisors represented by the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) have ratified five-year agreements with the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad (MBCR), “culminating almost three years of tough bargaining,” according to the union.

The agreements “deliver approximately 20 percent in net value” over the term of the contracts, TCU officials said in a prepared statement. Non-operating crafts will receive the full equivalent of operating craft certification pay, at $10 per day, and a supplemental sickness plan compensation schedule will be updated annually to reflect each year’s wage increases, they said.

“These were just a few of many impressive features of contracts reached during a period when public sector workers are fighting for their lives to retain existing wages and benefits,” TCU officials said. “During the ratification vote, Massachusetts courts rejected appeals by Boston transit unions to retain control of their health care bargaining. Instead, under a law passed by Massachusetts state legislators, transit workers’ health care benefits and contributions will be set by the state and no longer collectively bargained.”

MBCR operates Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s system, and maintains rolling stock, stations, track, signals, and other equipment and infrastructure.