Metra, TCU reach tentative agreement

Metra and the Transportation Communications Union (TCU) have reached a tentative clerical agreement that would provide more than 20 percent in wage increases in addition to a $3,000 signing bonus over the contract's six-year term.

The pact rivals the historic national freight agreement in compensation produced, but employee contributions to health insurance are introduced only gradually and on a staggered basis, not reaching national levels until the fifth year, TCU officials said in a press release posted on the union's website. The agreement is 33 percent greater than the previous Metra agreement on an annual basis, even after deducting all health care contributions, they said.

"This is a breakthrough agreement," said TCU National President Bob Scardelletti. "At a time when public employees all across the country are being hit with concessionary demands by their employers, this agreement delivers outstanding compensation gains."

Metra members have until Nov. 15 to vote on the contract. A ratification meeting will be held Nov. 5 in Chicago.