(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has reached as it describes a “historic” contract agreement at Amtrak. 

Several hard-fought wins - including a remarkable 34.1% compounded salary increase over seven years, are among a host of benefits negotiated into the IBEW’s recently-ratified agreement covering more than 1,200 Electrical Workers at Amtrak.

"This is a historic agreement.  We have never accomplished anything like this before,” said Arthur J. Davidson, General Chair of Railroad System Council 7, which oversees 14 passenger and freight railroad contracts.

On top of the agreement’s significant salary boost, which will be paid out in annual increments, the IBEW’s Negotiators gained skill differential compensation of an additional $3 per hour for 500 Certified Positive Train Control, Automatic Train Control and Cab Signal Electrical Workers.  Also benefiting from a $3 skill differential are Licensed Radio Maintainers and Building System Specialist Technicians who handle Amtrak’s Bridge and Buildings infrastructure work, as well as high-voltage power distribution systems.

The IBEW’s Railroad Electricians operate differently from many of their Brothers and Sisters in the Construction Trades, Davidson noted: “We do all railroad electrical maintenance and repair work which includes rolling stock equipment such as locomotives and coaches, power distribution systems, communication systems and bridge and buildings work.”

Bargaining for this agreement began before the term of the last one ended in 2022 and continued for nearly two years.

Davidson noted under the Federal Railway Labor Act, contracts for passenger and freight railroads remain in effect beyond their end dates until an amended, ratified agreement replaces them.

“The bargaining process under the Railway Labor Act can be very difficult,” Davidson said. “For example, Unions can’t just Strike at the end of a contract term.”

The agreement, which was overwhelmingly ratified, runs through December 31st, 2028 and thereafter until it’s changed or modified in accordance with the Railway Labor Act.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: ‘Historic’ Agreement Brings IBEW’s Amtrak Employees Improved Wages, Incentives

IBEW Photo.