Paducah and Louisville engineers ratify labor pact

Paducah and Louisville Railway engineers represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division (SMART TD) have ratified a new five-year agreement.

The new agreement calls for wage increases in each year, with an initial adjustment of 3 percent effect Jan. 1, 2014, and additional adjustments of 3 percent on Jan. 1, 2015, and every year after through 2018, according to a union press release.

Over the life of the contract, the total general wage increase is 15 percent, with a 16 percent cumulative increase.

Additionally, the contract provides full back pay, an increase in certification and meal allowance payments, increases in 401(k) contributions, and a cap on health and welfare contributions at $225 for the family plan over the life of the agreement.

Also, the agreement sets call windows for regular assignments, preserves cost-of-living adjustments and improves bereavement and personal leave provisions.