After 3 embattled years of negotiations and contract mediation, on November 29th TCU and its Bargaining Coalition brethren reached a Tentative Agreement. Special Assistant to the President and TCU Vice President Matt Hollis served as spokesman for the Coalition comprised of TCU, BRC and ARASA, along with IAM, UTU/SMART-TD and Mechanical, BMWED, IBEW and NCFO. Carmen Division AGP Don Grissom, National Vice President Brian Shanahan, National Vice President Mary Gunn, National Representative Mike Miller, and Local Representatives from all TCU represented three crafts served on TCU’s Bargaining committee. TCU represents almost 800 Carmen, Clerical and ARASA members on Metra.
General wage increases give employees a 17% increase (18.3% compounded) in general wages over the life of the agreement, 6.5% of that almost immediate upon ratification in full retroactive pay. No increases to members’ Health and Welfare contributions will be made over the life of the 7 year contract – employee contributions are frozen at the existing $230/month contribution.
“This Agreement far exceeds what other Unions accepted on Metra previously. I am very proud of our Coalition’s unwavering resolve to be a united force, to achieve better for the membership.” – National President Maratea
The Agreement was reached two weeks after the coalition organized a rally outside Metra HQ during Metra’s Board of directors meeting. Illinois State Senator Ram Vivalem, U.S. Reps Chuy Garcia (D-IL), Marie Newman (D-IL) and Chicago Federation of Labor President Robert Reiter attended and voiced support for a fair contract in front of a crowd of members and supporters several hundred strong.
“This Agreement is a testament to what can be achieved for our members when Unions bargain together and stick together for the long haul.” – National Vice President Matt Hollis
The Tentative Agreement has been mailed to the membership for ratification. Members have until December 22nd to vote.
Click here to see the Clerical TA
Click here to see the Carmen TA
Click here to see the ARASA TA