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 vote marks a significant development for rail manufacturing workers in the region.
The agreement follows a successful organizing campaign by the IAM, which brought rail production workers at the Plattsburgh facility into the union. According to union representatives, this contract aims to secure enforceable rights and establish standards intended to improve wages and job protections.
Workers at Alstom’s Plattsburgh site are involved in manufacturing, assembling, and repairing railcars and components that serve passenger rail systems across the United States.
Under the new contract, employees will receive an immediate 3% wage increase in addition to a previously implemented 2.8% raise from April 2025. Other provisions include a $1.50 per hour shift differential for second and third shifts, an extra 10% pay for team leads above their hourly rate, and changes to how compensated time off is counted toward overtime eligibility. A revised classification system with increased pay rates will take effect January 1, 2027, aimed at ending favoritism and clarifying advancement opportunities. Another wage increase of 2.75% is scheduled for January 1, 2028.
Additional gains secured through bargaining cover expanded safe and sick leave policies, eight paid holidays plus four floating holidays annually, capped annual increases on medical, dental, and vision costs, life and disability insurance provided at no cost to employees, layoff and recall protections with defined procedures, strengthened grievance processes with set timelines for resolution, guaranteed union representation on every shift, and monthly joint labor-management meetings involving senior management.
“This agreement replaces uncertainty with enforceable rules and real protections,” said IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the Rail Division Josh Hartford. “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.”
With this ratification in Plattsburgh, newly organized members join their IAM-represented colleagues at Alstom’s Hornell facility in New York State. They will also become part of IAM District 19 while forming their own local unit within the union structure.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents around 600,000 active or retired workers in sectors including aerospace manufacturing; defense; airlines; shipbuilding; rail; transit; healthcare; automotive; among others throughout North America.
