The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers – Transportation Division (SMART-TD) Local 584 ratified a new five-year agreement with the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway (AGR), a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming, which spans 292 miles from Pensacola, Fla., to Columbus, Miss.
Negotiated by General Chairperson Adren Crawford and SMART-TD Vice President Jamie Modesitt, the agreement (download below), which, the union says, “resolves long-standing wage issues” for AGR’s 50 Train and Engine (T&E) members, provides a 16.4% raise in pay in the first year, with further increases each year. This compounds to 33.57% over the five-year agreement.
“Granting the largest increase in the first year of the agreement maximizes income growth, as it compounds over the length of the agreement,” the union noted. “This win helps our brothers and sisters in the AGR catch up on past wage increases that have fallen short.”
“I’ve worked at this railroad for over 20 years, and I’ve watched our pay not keep up with the cost of living or what the Class I guys are making. I’m proud of my members who stuck together on this, didn’t settle, and stuck with me and Adren (GC Crawford), and got a fair contract we can be proud of. Our members work hard to support families like every other railroader. It was good to know Adren, and Vice President Modesitt see that, and it was important to them to listen to and fight for my guys,” Allan Gilliam, Chair of Local 584, explained.
When Crawford submitted his proposal the railroad immediately appealed to the National Mediation Board (NMB). However, the NMB eventually ruled in SMART-TD’s favor.
General Chairperson Crawford expressed gratitude to the members he represents for remaining united. “I want to thank our Local 584 members for their patience and solidarity throughout this lengthy negotiation. They waited a long time for this agreement, and their ability to speak with one voice was the key to the historic success we achieved. This contract should serve as an example to other Genesee and Wyoming crew bases of the value of being organized and members of SMART-TD, the largest labor organization in the American rail industry.”
SMART-TD says it “continues to advocate for fair wages and working conditions on railroads of all sizes.” This new contract, the union says, “highlights the importance of collective bargaining for workers in all short lines, especially for those who work for G&W-run companies. This clear-cut win for the dedicated men and women of the Alabama & Gulf Coast Railway also provides an example of the strength of SMART-TD negotiated agreements.”
