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 step for rail manufacturing workers in the region.
The agreement is the result of recent organizing efforts by the IAM, which brought these rail production workers into the union. According to union officials, members worked together to secure enforceable rights and improvements in wages and job protections.
IAM members at the Plattsburgh facility are involved in manufacturing, assembling, and repairing railcars and components used in passenger rail systems throughout the United States.
Key provisions of the new contract include an immediate 3% wage increase—adding to a previous 2.8% raise received in April 2025—a $1.50 per hour shift differential for second and third shifts, and a 10% premium for team leads. Compensated time off will now count toward hours worked for overtime calculations. The agreement also introduces a new classification system with increased pay rates starting January 1, 2027, designed to end favoritism and clarify advancement opportunities. Another wage increase of 2.75% is scheduled for January 1, 2028.
Additional benefits secured through negotiations include expanded safe and sick leave policies, eight paid holidays plus four floating holidays, defined medical, dental, and vision insurance costs with annual increases capped, life and disability insurance at no cost to employees, clear layoff and recall protections, stronger grievance procedures with set timelines, guaranteed union representation on every shift, and monthly meetings between labor representatives and 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 workers join existing IAM-represented colleagues at Alstom’s Hornell facility in New York. They will become part of IAM District 19 while forming their own local unit within the district.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries in North America including aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railways transit systems healthcare automotive sectors among others.
