The National Mediation Board (NTB) on Sept. 4 announced that train dispatchers from Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) have voted to unionize with the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA). Based at the American Rail Dispatching Center (ARDC) in St. Albans, Vt., the G&W dispatchers control railroad traffic in 43 states and on more than 13,000 miles of short line track.
G&W has “steadily grown” over the years by acquiring smaller short line operations and absorbing their track assets. Throughout the decades of this growth, ATDA says, “increasingly more territory has been added to a workforce of train dispatchers with no representation or collective voice. But that time is over because they have chosen to organize with ATDA,” the union noted. Negotiations will begin soon between ATDA and G&W to establish the group’s first Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“We are ready to sit down with G&W leadership and negotiate a historic first agreement for the ARDC train dispatchers,” said ATDA President Ed Dowell. “Furthermore, we are ready to build trust and a working relationship between their leadership and ours. Just as important however, we are eager to build trust with the train dispatchers. They are now part of a fraternal organization of members across this great nation, doing the same job, facing the same struggles as they take care of their families, working to pay bills, and dealing with stressful work. From this day forward, we will stand with them in solidarity as we fight for better pay, better benefits, and better quality of life.”
“G&W Dispatchers: Congratulations, you did it! This path wasn’t easy, but you stuck together, and here we are. Your concern for one another throughout this process exemplifies what the ATDA is all about and we are honored to represent you,” said ATDA Secretary-Treasurer Bill Sikes, who led the organizing drive at G&W. “Also, thank you to our organizing team: ATDA Vice President Barry Cross, Trustee Andy Brewer, and KCS General Chair August Miles. Your professionalism, dedication, and genuine concern for the G&W Dispatchers made a real difference.”
“I am extremely pleased the ATDA Team was able to successfully organize the Genesee and Wyoming Train Dispatchers in Saint Albans, Vermont,” said ATDA Vice President Barry Cross. “This was a long time coming! To the G&W Dispatchers, welcome to the ATDA! I look forward to representing you and fighting for your interests! Also, I would like to personally thank Ed Dowell, Bill Sikes, Andy Brewer, and August Miles for their support and hard work to make this happen!”
