LORTON, Va., Feb, 19, 2025 – More than a year after voting to organize into the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM), the largest union on Amtrak, a group of Drummac employees who work on the Amtrak Auto Train Property in Lorton, Va., are holding an informational picket against Drummac management’s stall tactics during negotiations.
“These employees work tirelessly outside, in all weather conditions, to professionally load and unload cars and motorcycles from the trains,” said TCU/IAM Organizing Director Sal Rodriguez. “They fought and won a union in 2023 – it’s well-past time for the company to get serious.”
Amtrak contracts with a third-party company called Drummac to safely load and unload vehicles from their Auto Trains, which travel between Lorton, Va. and Sanford, Fla. The Amtrak Auto Train runs seven days a week, and is one of the highest revenue-producing routes for Amtrak nationwide.
The demands from Drummac workers are simple: fairer wages, proper work scheduling, and improved benefits and overall working conditions. TCU/IAM has been bargaining in good faith to provide these workers with a fair contract, but negotiations have been exceedingly slow.
“Unfortunately, Drummac’s offers have been wholly unserious thus far,” said Matt Hollis, TCU/IAM’s Lead Negotiator. “These workers are seeking things most of America has or recently got: a raise! That’s not too much to ask.”
The informational picket aims get the word out to the public and customers to let them know how Drummac treats employees that handle their vehicles.
The Drummac workers who load and unload these vehicles:
- Are paid HALF the industry standard.
- Are only being offered pennies for raises.
- Are often forced to work unpaid time due to required flexibility for varying train schedules.
- Can’t even afford the Auto Train they work on.
- Haven’t had a raise in over a year.
Support the Drummac workers on the Auto Train, and make sure they get the contract that they deserve!