The American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) has submitted an application to the National Mediation Board (NMB) for a representational election concerning the Train Dispatchers of Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad (DM&E) in Kansas City, Missouri. Upon completion of the NMB’s review, DM&E Train Dispatchers will have the opportunity to participate in a final vote to elect ATDA as their bargaining representative.
Since Canadian Pacific acquired DM&E in 2008, many DM&E Train Dispatchers have worked alongside Soo Line Train Dispatchers in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After a merger with Kansas City Southern (KCS), now part of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad (CPKC), most of the U.S. train dispatching operations were consolidated into the new Kansas City, Missouri Operations Center in 2024. Consequently, non-represented DM&E Train Dispatchers started working alongside KCS and Soo Line dispatchers, who were already represented by ATDA. The move to secure representation aims to extend similar benefits to DM&E Dispatchers, potentially allowing ATDA to represent all Train Dispatchers at the Kansas City Operations Center.
Brandon Denucci, ATDA Vice President and co-leader of the organizing initiative with CPKC General Chairman Jesse Kottner, commented, “This effort rose from within the DM&E train dispatchers who had the courage to say, ‘Enough is enough!’ They recognize that the best opportunity they have to change their working conditions, pay, and benefits is to unite.” Vice President Denucci also thanked General Chairman Kottner, stating, “Jesse was a huge help in reaching this point. His commitment to providing hours of his own time to speak with those who had questions about organizing and what it means to be in a union undoubtedly made the difference.”
The ATDA will continue to support the DM&E Dispatchers throughout the process and is prepared to welcome them in solidarity.
