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 a successful organizing campaign that brought rail production workers into the IAM union. According to union representatives, the contract secures enforceable rights and standards, as well as improvements to wages and job protections.
Workers at the Plattsburgh facility are involved in manufacturing, assembling, and repairing railcars and components used by passenger rail systems across the United States. Their work is considered essential for maintaining safe and reliable public transportation.
Key provisions of the new contract include an immediate 3% wage increase, which comes on top of a 2.8% raise already implemented in April 2025. Second- and third-shift employees will receive a $1.50 per hour shift differential. Team leads will earn their hourly rate plus an additional 10%. Compensated time off will now count toward hours worked for overtime calculations.
A new classification system with increased pay rates will take effect on January 1, 2027. This system is designed to end favoritism and clearly define opportunities for advancement within the company. 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 with four floating holidays, capped annual increases for medical, dental, and vision costs, no-cost life and disability insurance, clear layoff and recall protections, stronger grievance procedures with enforceable 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 Plattsburgh workers join their colleagues at Alstom’s Hornell facility under IAM representation. They will become part of IAM District 19 while also forming their own local unit.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroads, transit systems, healthcare services, automotive sectors throughout North America.
