TCU/IAM clerical workers overwhelmingly ratified a new contract by an 86% margin. Vice President Tom Truhler and National Representative Anthony Siriano were the lead negotiators for this Agreement that covers clerks on Canadian National, Wisconsin Central Railroad, Grand Trunk Western Railway, Illinois Central Railroad Company, and Chicago Central and Pacific Railroad.
Workers under the Agreement will receive an immediate 8.8% wage increase. Over the life of the contract the agreement will generate an average of an additional $25,800 per member. This figure does not take into account overtime hours.
The new agreement mirrors the recent national freight agreement’s economic provisions, providing 20.1% in compounded general wage increases over the six year contract period – January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2015. In addition to the general wage increases, the agreement provides for a lump sum payment equal to 1% of straight time earnings for the twelve-month period from November 1, 2010 through October 31, 2011. The 1% will be calculated after the July 1, 2010 and July 1, 2011 general wage increases have been applied. Full retroactive pay will apply from July 1, 2010.
Retroactive payment and lump sum will average $3,500.00 per member. “In the present economy, this contract’s wage gains – 20.1% over six years with a 1% bonus – is truly an achievement,” said TCU President Bob Scardelletti. “The resounding membership vote in favor is testament to their appreciation of the value and efforts of TCU representation.”