Amtrak reaches new agreement with UTU

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

After more than two years of negotiations, the United Transportation Union Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation (UTU-SMART) general committees representing some 2,300 Amtrak members have reached a deal on a new contract.

The parties first began negotiations in 2010 and were initially unable to resolve their differences on the terms and conditions of a new contract. After a number of sessions, the services of the National Mediation Board were requested and a federal mediator was assigned.

UTU-SMART Assistant President John Previsich, who assisted in the negotiations, said that, although the progress remained slow and difficult, the mediator was ultimately successful in moving the parties forward to a satisfactory conclusion.

The tentative agreements must now be ratified by affected members under provisions of the UTU (SMART Transportation Division) Constitution. Ballots are going out by mail and the tentative deadline for the return of ballots is April 10.

The proposed agreements follow the pattern of pay increases and health and welfare modifications reached by other organizations in earlier settlements. The increases are effective beginning back to 2010 and, as a result, employees covered by the new agreements will receive a significant amount of back pay once the contract is ratified, Previsich said.

“In addition, the parties were successful in resolving the difficult issue of financial recognition for the increased obligations and rule modifications that are required by federal certification of conductors,” Previsich said.

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