The American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) has reached a tentative five-year agreement with Keolis. The agreement aims to raise wages, increase paid time off, and introduce greater flexibility in leave time use for its members. Wage increases are structured at five percent annually over the agreement period, with an additional two-dollar-per-hour increase after the last annual raise on June 15, 2027. Overall, this results in a compounded 32.15 percent increase in members’ pay.
The agreement, besides financial benefits, provides three additional paid sick days, recognized as excused absences. Members are also permitted to utilize up to two weeks of their vacation time on a daily basis. Further enhancements include improvements to bereavement leave and the leave of absence process.
ATDA Vice President Barry Cross expressed appreciation toward “General Chairperson Sarah Gouthro and former General Chairman Ed Kadlick for their unwavering resolve throughout the bargaining process.” He added, “This agreement took time, but the results reflect their determination.”
Sarah Gouthro, MBCR General Chairperson, remarked, “This agreement is the first step of many to achieving more favorable wages and benefits for our members.” She acknowledged the two years of negotiations and thanked the membership, VP Barry Cross, and Ed Kadlick for their contributions, stating, “We are set up not only for a beneficial agreement for the membership in this round, but for achieving results on other important items.”
The new agreement awaits a ratification vote by ATDA members on the Keolis property.
