Newly organized members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) at Alstom Transportation in Plattsburgh, New York, have ratified their first three-year collective bargaining agreement. The contract marks a significant development for rail manufacturing workers in upstate New York.
The agreement follows an organizing campaign that brought these rail production workers into the IAM. According to the union, members worked together to secure enforceable rights and improvements that will increase wages and enhance job protections.
At the Plattsburgh facility, IAM members are involved in manufacturing, assembling, and repairing railcars and components used in passenger rail systems across the country.
Key terms of the new contract include an immediate 3% wage increase on top of a previously received 2.8% raise from April 2025. Workers on second and third shifts will receive a $1.50 per hour shift differential, while team leads will earn their hourly rate plus 10%. Compensated time off will now count toward hours worked for overtime purposes. A new classification system with increased pay rates is set to begin January 1, 2027, aiming to eliminate favoritism and clarify advancement opportunities. Another wage increase of 2.75% is scheduled for January 1, 2028.
The contract also includes expanded safe and sick leave policies, eight paid holidays plus four floating holidays, defined medical, dental, and vision costs with capped annual increases, life and disability insurance at no cost to employees, clear layoff and recall protections, strong grievance procedures with set timelines, guaranteed union representation on every shift, and monthly joint labor-management committee meetings with senior management.
“This agreement replaces uncertainty with enforceable rules and real protections,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the Rail Division. “More importantly, it establishes a solid foundation from which IAM Union members at Alstom can continue to build power, improve working conditions, and raise standards across the rail industry. Congratulations to the members, stewards, bargaining committee, and IAM Organizing Department on this important victory.”
The newly organized group joins existing IAM-represented coworkers at Alstom’s Hornell facility in New York. They will be part of IAM District 19 while forming their own local chapter.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries throughout North America.
