Workers at Union Tank Car in Altoona, Pennsylvania overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year contract that provides retroactive pay increases and a nine percent raise through August of 2027.
The TWU Rail Division and Local 2017 officers negotiated the contract with Union Tank Car Company. In addition to three percent raises each August, the contract increases shift differential pay for second and third shifts from $.56 per hour to $2 per hour for second shift, and $.56 per hour to $1.50 per hour for third shift. The TWU represents various classifications of Carmen Mechanics, Maintenance Workers, and Laborers at Union Tank Car.
“The new contract for Union Tank Car workers provides real wage gains and significant increases in benefits without any givebacks,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “The TWU will keep fighting for contracts that improve the lives of blue-collar workers and their families.”
The contract also reduces healthcare costs for TWU members and includes a $750 per year company contribution for annual individual healthcare costs and a $1500 per year company contribution for family healthcare costs. Unused balances roll over into the following year.
“The TWU is proud to secure a contract that includes significant gains on wages, healthcare, and time off,” said TWU Rail Division Director John Feltz. “This contract benefits seasoned veterans and new hires alike at Union Tank Car and is another example of the TWU fighting back for its members.”
The contract also improves the payments for short- and long-term disability while providing a life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment benefit at no cost to workers. And new hires will be immediately eligible to take time off in the year they were hired, with the amount of time awarded depending on the month the worker starts on the job.