10,000 Amtrak Workers Win Contract and More Bargaining News

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/01/22/10000-amtrak-workers-win-contract-and-more-bargaining-news/

The settlement of a contract between Amtrak workers and the rail unions tops Bargaining Digest highlights from Jan. 14–18. The AFL-CIO Collective Bargaining Department delivers daily bargaining-related news and research resources to more than 900 subscribers. Union leaders can register for this service through our website, Bargaining@Work.

Settlements
Multiple Unions, Amtrak: Amtrak and its rail unions, covering approximately 10,000 workers, reached tentative 10-year collective bargaining agreements that largely follow recommendations in the Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) report and avert a possible strike. President Bush established a PEB on Dec. 1 to investigate the collective bargaining discussions, and the board issued recommendations Dec. 30. In its report, it sided mostly with the unions, indicating that retroactive back pay was appropriate and that work rule changes were not. The agreement provides retroactive pay increases totaling 35.2 percent over duration. Complete details have not yet been disclosed pending ratification. Ratification vote dates have not yet been set by any union.

AFT, Pittsburgh Public Schools: The Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers, an AFT affiliate, reached a tentative contract deal for 3,400 classroom teachers, aides and technical-clerical workers after marathon negotiations. Union membership must vote to approve the deal. Details have not been disclosed.

AFT-NEA, Athens Area School District: After three years of negotiations, some 200 teachers in the Athens Area School District in New York ratified a three-year contract, retroactive to 2005. The new contract expires at the end of this school year and provides for a 3.6 percent pay increase for each of the three years. New York is one of four states where the AFT and National Education Association (NEA) have merged.

AFT, West Warwick School District: In Rhode Island, 350 teachers, represented by the West Warwick Teachers Alliance, an AFT affiliate, ratified a one-year extension of their contract, after months of bargaining over health care contributions and salaries. The contract still needs to be approved by the school board. Details have not been released.

IAFF, Bethlehem City: Fire Fighters (IAFF) members and city officials in Bethlehem, Pa., have reached a four-year contract. The contract is retroactive, with 4 percent increases last year and this year. In 2009, firefighters will receive a 5.5 percent bump and 6 percent in 2010.

FULL story at link.

[Parche]

1. Yeah Amtrak

Finally!!!!


I love Amtrak

I just booked a huge Amtrak tour for my aunt Peggy!!!!!!!!!



:hi:

[Omaha Steve]

2. We live on the BNSF main line

It also runs past my plant at work. I see AMTRAK every day.

[monmouth]

3. Well thank God. Joe Biden can get to work with no worries...nt