On Wednesday, Nov. 15, a group of Drummac employees who work on the Amtrak Auto Train Property in Lorton, Va., voted to be represented by TCU/IAM with a margin of over 75%.

Drummac employees initially reached out to TCU/IAM National Representative Mitch Canter after seeing recent contracts TCU/IAM won on Amtrak first-hand. These workers are looking for fair wages, better working hours, and to improve their benefits and overall working conditions.

“The economy is sky-high in the DMV metro area; all we want is a fair shake!” said a Drummac employee. “With good union contracts being made across the country, OUR TIME IS NOW!”

TCU/IAM Executive Director of Organizing Sal Rodriguez and National Vice President Brian Shanahan recently participated in the IAM Organizing Department’s new Basic Training for Organizers (BTO) program for Rail Division organizers and led this campaign.

READ: New Organizing Training Captivates in Rail Division Debut

Drummac is a sub-contractor at Amtrak locations all over the country. At the Lorton Auto Train Station, these employees work tirelessly to load cars and motorcycles on the trains outside in all weather conditions. The Amtrak Auto Train runs seven days a week and is one of the highest revenue-producing routes in the nationwide Amtrak system.

“We have low wages. We do not have steady pay and hours! Sometimes eight hours, four or six… we want steady work and better wages,” said a Drummac worker.

Rodriguez and Organizing Coordinator Drew Maratea worked closely with the Drummac employees and received A Cards from well over 50% of the workers to cause a vote, which ended up being a “Union Yes” victory. 

“The journey to unionization was not without its challenges, but the resilience and determination of the Union and Drummac employees prevailed. The decision to join forces and form a union was rooted in the shared belief that a united voice would bring about positive change and foster a workplace prioritizing its employees’ well-being,” said Maratea.

TCU/IAM stands in solidarity with these hardworking Drummac employees.

“I am so proud of the men and women that made this vote possible,” said Rodriguez. “A special thank you to Ali and Keith; they really kept the entire group together and made sure that not only did they vote yes to TCU/IAM, but they are also determined to get a contract across the finish line for the betterment of everyone.”

“We are proud to welcome these new members to TCU! I am proud of the team who worked tirelessly on this campaign, and we look forward to a bright future,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea.

The post Virginia Drummac Workers Vote ‘Yes’ to Join TCU/IAM appeared first on IAMAW.

IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the Rail Division Josh Hartford and TCU/IAM Assistant National Legislative Director David Arouca, along with representatives from other major rail unions, joined U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Mike Braun (R-IN) for a press conference on Capitol Hill demanding paid sick time from rail companies for all rail workers.

WATCH: Bernie Sanders, Fighting for Sick Days on the Rail Yard

“We are here to send a strong message to the CEOs in the rail industry,” said Sanders. “The American people are sick and tired of the type of corporate greed we are seeing in that industry… That industry can and must guarantee at least seven paid sick days for every rail worker in America.”

The press conference comes as rail companies announced record-breaking earnings during quarterly earnings reports and spent more on returns to the companies’ shareholders than what they spent on improving their workers’ wages and benefits. 

“If you want to make life easy in the long run, make sure you take care of your employees,” said Braun. “You should not have to scrap for sick days the way we all know it.”

The press conference included the participation of SMART-TD, the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees, the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department and the National Association of Chemical Distributors.

“We applaud Sen. Sanders and Sen. Braun for their steadfast commitment advocating for our members and all rail workers,” said Hartford. “Paid sick time is common sense and not a partisan issue. Rail workers shouldn’t have to choose between their jobs and their health, and our union welcomes any legislative efforts that will address rail workers’ needs.”

Prior to the press conference, Senator Sanders sent a letter to the rail companies’ CEOs requesting that they guarantee at least seven paid sick days for their employees.

Thanks to the continued pressure of the IAM Rail Division and its allies, both IAM District 19 and the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, a division of TCU/IAM, have recently reached agreements with CSX to provide paid sick leave to hundreds of IAM and TCU/IAM members.

READ: CSX railroad promises paid sick time to two more unions Associated Press

The IAM Rail Division will continue to fight to provide paid sick leave to all rail workers.

The post IAM Rail Division Leadership Joins Major Rail Unions, U.S. Senators to Demand Paid Sick Time for Rail Workers appeared first on IAMAW.

Representatives of the Service Trades Council Union (STCU) came together at a press conference in Orlando to send a clear message to recommend members vote no on Disney’s latest contract proposal. Disney is proposing raises of $1 a year for most workers, but the main message from the press conference was that $1 is not enough to pay for the cost-of-living crisis workers face in central Florida.

“We came to @Disney to provide magical experiences every day and every night. My bills have gone up like everyone else. We need to stand together as cast members and vote NO!”- @TCUnionHQ member Nicole Bailey #DisneyWorkersNeedaRaise pic.twitter.com/eCj1SR8I9g

— Machinists Union (@MachinistsUnion) January 27, 2023

A “no” vote will show that Disney workers do not accept a $1 raise and want to keep pushing for higher raises for everyone. UNITE HERE issued a report showing the consequences of low tourism on workers’ wages; evidence makes a case for an immediate $18 wage standard. Rent and other expenses have skyrocketed, leaving workers in an emergency.

Disney thinks a $1 raise is sufficient. Our members deserve more! We held a press conference today to explain why workers are voting to reject Disney’s offer. #DisneyWorkersNeedaRaise pic.twitter.com/dVRZm66LkX

— UNITE HERE (@unitehere) January 27, 2023

This latest proposal from Disney leaves behind a clear majority of the workforce and would offer only a $1 raise to over 30,000 cast members.

WATCH: Fighting for Fairness at Disney in Florida

“The unions have been clear from our very first bargaining session that a dollar in the first year is not enough,” said Matt Hollis, TCU/IAM National Vice President and president of the Service Trades Council Union, in an interview with CNN, the collection of six union locals that are negotiating with Disney management. “A dollar does not afford Disney workers the ability to keep up with the skyrocketing rent increases. And a dollar does not afford Disney workers with the ability to continue to purchase basic necessities, such as food, gas, and utilities.”

The six affiliate unions representing workers in the Service Trades Council Union (STCU) are IATSE Local 631; Teamsters Local 385, TCU/IAM Local 1908; UFCW Local 1625; UNITE HERE! Local 362; and UNITE HERE Local 737.

Shame on @Disney for calling itself the "happiest place on Earth" while nearly half its workers report skipping meals & worry about being homeless.

Solidarity with @TCUnionHQ @UNITEHERE362 @UniteHere737 @unitehere @IATSE @Teamsters & @UFCW in their fight for a fair contract!

— AFL-CIO (@AFLCIO) January 27, 2023

A “no” vote will show that Disney workers do not accept a $1 raise and want to keep pushing for higher raises for everyone. This report shows the consequences of low tourism on workers’ wages; evidence makes a case for an immediate $18 wage standard.

Members of the Service Trades Council Union will vote to accept or reject Disney’s latest contract proposal during the vote on Thursday, February 2, and Friday, February 3.

Related News:

•  CNN: Union members are poised to reject Disney World contract offer
• Fox Business: Group of unions call on Disney workers they represent to vote against contract offer
• WESH-TV Orlando: Thousands of Disney workers expected to reject company’s contract offer
• WFTV- Orlando: Disney workers unions urges members to reject latest contract offer
• CBS News Miami: Disney World union workers will mostly reject contract offer Friday
• Spectrum 13 News Orlando: Walt Disney World union continues to push for $20-per-hour wage
• WKMG-TV Orlando: Union representing 45,000 Disney workers plans to reject latest contract offer
• Fox 35 Orlando: Union representing Disney World employees urging workers to reject company’s latest wage offer
• Orlando Sentinel: Disney Unions Urge No Vote

The post A Dollar is Not Enough: TCU/IAM, Disney Union Coalition Recommends Contract Rejection appeared first on IAMAW.

The AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department (TTD) held a virtual rail worker town hall recently that featured a panel of union members moderated by AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond. U.S. freight rail workers are in the third year of fighting for a new national contract with freight railroads.

Freight rail workers from across the country shared personal stories and account about “urgent” issues facing the nation’s freight rail system. At the forefront of the issues for rail, workers is the so-called Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) a scheme by the railroads that calls for fewer train starts, fewer locomotives, and fewer workers – nearly 45,000 fewer over the last five years.

Calling freight rail workers “heroic,” Redmond said while the railroads demand more with less, workers are saddled with stagnant wages, long hours, health and safety concerns, and quality of life issues, despite increased workloads and a smaller workforce, and strict schedules with little to no time off.

“It’s a hard life,” said IAM member Reece Murtagh. “The conditions we work in – 14 hours, 16 hour days outside in all kinds of weather, tool bags on our backs, walking up and down the tracks, it’s hard on our bodies.”

“I have no personal life,” said Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) member Esmerelda Montelongo. “It feels like home is at work, I literally work 70 hours a week. It’s like we’re not human, they use us until we can’t or until someone gets hurt.”

“While workers are experiencing significant hardships, major freight railroads are earning historically record-breaking profits,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President. “All while failing to negotiate in good faith a new labor contract with the unions. “We’re fighting alongside our members until they get the contract they deserve, with the dignity and respect they have earned.”

One of the main concerns with precision scheduled railroading (PSR) is the detrimental effects that it is having on railroad workers and their safety. For example, mass layoffs are a central component of PSR operations. Fewer workers translate into a railway slashing costs and thus increasing profits.

After two and a half years of negotiations and mediation failed to yield a contract, President Biden appointed a Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) on July 15th to investigate the contract dispute. The Board will issue its recommendations for a fair contract in mid-August. The creation of the PEB forestalls a rail lockout or stoppage for 30 days as the PEB investigates and develops its recommendations.

View the town hall:

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=549740426838105

YouTube  https://youtu.be/fOg9_lPDJQM

The post IAM, TCU/IAM Members Featured on Virtual Freight Railroad Worker Town Hall appeared first on IAMAW.

This year, for Black History Month, the IAM is highlighting some of our current history makers within the organization. All this month, we will be running stories on current Black activists in the IAM.

Katrina Coleman started her union journey when she was hired as a clerk for Amtrak in Philadelphia in 1986. In 2014, she was elected to serve as Local Chairperson of Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) Local 1351, a role she maintains today. She was also appointed to serve as an Assistant National Representative for TCU/IAM Unit 86 in 2016.

Coleman works in a male-dominated industry and has experienced many obstacles along her journey.

“I have found it hard to be respected and treated in the same manner as my male counterparts,” said Coleman. “I was fortunate to have a mentor who fostered my growth and development in the labor movement.”

Coleman credits retired TCU/IAM Assistant Legislative Director Mark Taylor for helping her remain focused and remembering why she was there—“to serve our members.” She was proud to see another Black member in a leadership role, and it made her “proud to be a union leader.”

“Katrina is the embodiment of what a TCU/IAM representative—of what any union representative—should be,” says TCU/IAM National President Arthur Maratea. “She is deeply invested in the wellbeing of our members, evident by the tireless work she does on their behalf every day. The heartbeat of our membership runs through her. She has the respect of leaders within our organization, as well as across the table. I am proud to have Katrina as a part of my team.”

Her hopes and dreams for herself are to one day sit on the stage as a National Officer.

“I want to have a real seat at the table to be an example and inspiration to all people of color that there is no glass ceiling,” said Coleman. “That Black workers throughout North America one day will not have to fight for diversity and inclusion. The wisdom, experience and insights we have should be welcomed on every team.”

Coleman says she is empowered by civil rights activist Al Sharpton’s fight for racial justice for all. She also admires the women of the WNBA, who are more recent champions of justice.

“They did what I strive for daily, to choose courage over comfort and stand up for social change,” said Coleman.

Coleman’s advice for other union members is “get involved, speak up, and ask questions” and to learn more about their role in the labor movement and understand what it means to be a union member.

The post IAM Black History Month: Katrina Coleman appeared first on IAMAW.

Leaders from the IAM and TCU/IAM recently met with Amit Bose, Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Administrator Bose and the agency are responsible for allowing safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods.

“TCU/IAM was one of the first unions to support Amit Bose to head the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and for good reason: he believes that rail safety begins and ends with its frontline workforce,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea. “Mr. Bose has the understanding and institutional wherewithal to reform and rededicate the FRA to its core mission of safety for railroad workers and the general public.” 

“Administrator Bose will serve as an advocate for railroad workers and listen to a workforce that has been neglected over the past few years,” said Richie Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “The IAM looks forward to working with him and his staff to address the safety issues that remain unsolved in our industry.”

Click here to read the bio of Amit Bose on the DOT website.

The post IAM and TCU/IAM Meet with FRA Administrator Bose appeared first on IAMAW.

The IAM and the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) joined the other members of the Coordinated Bargaining Coalition, rail labor’s largest coalition, in issuing a statement on the status of bargaining with the major U.S. Class 1 railroads.

“After more than two years of bargaining with the major U.S. Class 1 railroads, discussions completely stalled last week,” according to the statement. “Accordingly, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Railway Labor Act, top leaders of 10 rail unions applied to the National Mediation Board (NMB) for the assignment of a federal mediator to assist in our negotiations.”

“We have multiple issues facing our members, and we must fight to keep integrity at the bargaining table,” said Richie Johnsen, IAM Chief of Staff to the International President. “Our members want an agreement that reflects the personal sacrifices they made before the pandemic and continue to make every single day to keep the rail industry moving.

“The Carriers have used every possible stall tactic, despite the Coalition’s repeated good faith efforts to achieve voluntary agreement,” said TCU/IAM President Artie Maratea. “They’re making record profits, off the backs of our members, who have literally kept rail – and America – running through a pandemic. Mediation is the next crucial step towards reaching an agreement.”

“I speak to our members and local leaders regularly and hear their concerns,” said IAM District 19 President Mike Perry. “We must obtain an agreement that recognizes the sacrifices made over the past few years. This agreement must create a better balance between the rail carriers and our members doing the work while keeping our members safe.”

Click here for the press release from the CBC.

The unions comprising the Coordinated Bargaining Coalition are the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA); the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen / Teamsters Rail Conference (BLET); the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS); the International Association of Machinists (IAM); the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB); the National Conference of Firemen & Oilers/SEIU (NCFO); the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW); the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU); the Transportation Communications Union / IAM (TCU), including TCU’s Brotherhood of Railway Carmen Division (BRC); and the Transportation Division of the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail, and Transportation Workers (SMART–TD).

Collectively, the CBC unions represent more than 105,000 railroad workers covered by the various organizations’ national agreements and comprise over 80% of the workforce who will be impacted by this round of negotiations.

The post Railroad Coordinated Bargaining Coalition Reaches Dead End on Path to Voluntary Agreement appeared first on IAMAW.

The post Machinists Union Applauds Confirmation of Former IAM Legal Fellow Deirdre Hamilton to the National Mediation Board appeared first on IAMAW.

TCU National President Maratea, National Secretary-Treasurer Stan Boyd, and BRC General President Rich Johnson visited members working on the job in Boston, Somerville and Houston. They met with members working at Amtrak, Keolis, Koppers and Union Pacific.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic TCU members have been working on the front lines, keeping the traveling public safe and the freight moving all across the country. Despite all of the challenges facing our industry’s our members continue to rise to the occasion every single day.

President Maratea said: “I am pleased to meet the members working on the job, I am so proud of the work they do every day. It is critical for me to see for myself what our members do and what they deal with on the property.”

President Maratea plans to continue to meet with members across the country.

Click here to see all the pictures on the TCU Instagram page.

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