The National Mediation Board announced the election results on Jan. 14 in Washington, D.C., after weeks of balloting, which began Nov. 27, according to TWU.
The Brightline workers, who sell food and beverages and provide other services on trains between Miami and Orlando, Fla., voted to join TWU on a roughly two-to-one margin, the union said.
TWU represents more than 155,000 workers across the airline, rail, transit, university, and utility sectors of the economy, and its Rail Division includes car inspectors, cleaners, and other workers at Amtrak; MTA Metro-North Railroad; PATH; CSX; Norfolk Southern; and Keolis, which operates Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s 14 commuter rail lines and Virginia Railway Express’ commuter railroad, among other rail and transit services.
TWU said it will now work with Brightline workers to form a negotiating committee to begin drawing up a first contract with Brightline.
“We’re committed to working to ensure the railroad is successful while helping our newest members secure better wages, better working conditions, respect in the workplace, and other goals that they set,” TWU International President John Samuelsen said.
“The TWU has secured historic, industry-leading contracts for members in our Rail Division, and we look forward to continuing that success with our newest members at Brightline,” TWU Rail Division Director John Feltz added.
In a related development, train and engine service workers from Patriot Rail’s Utah Central Railway recently voted unanimously to join the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers & Trainmen.
