Carriers, train dispatchers reach tentative labor pact

The National Carriers Conference Committee (NCCC) on Dec. 6 reached a tentative national agreement with the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA), one of several agreements recently reached as part of an ongoing national bargaining round.

The agreement with ATDA reflects terms consistent with a pattern established by earlier local agreements and is subject to member ratification, NCCC officials said in a press release.

“Our goal in these negotiations is to build on the industry’s core strengths: safe, high-paying jobs for employees, reliable service for customers and ongoing reinvestment in infrastructure and innovation," said Jeff Rodgers, chairman of the National Rail Labor Conference and NCCC. "The agreement with ATDA helps achieve these goals and builds on the pattern established by earlier agreements, laying the groundwork for further progress.”

Building on the 24% wage increase from the 2022 bargaining round, the agreements reached over the past few months: increase pay by 18.7% over five years; enhance health and welfare benefits with no increase to the employee contribution rate; and give employees access to more paid vacation time earlier in their careers.