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 deal represents a significant development for rail manufacturing workers in upstate New York.
The agreement follows a successful organizing campaign by the IAM that brought these rail production workers into the union. According to the union, the new contract provides enforceable rights and standards, as well as improvements aimed at increasing wages and strengthening job protections.
IAM members at Alstom’s Plattsburgh facility are responsible for manufacturing, assembling, and repairing railcars and components used in passenger rail systems across the United States. Their work is described as essential to maintaining public transportation safety and reliability.
Key provisions of the contract include an immediate 3% wage increase—on top of a previously received 2.8% raise in April 2025—a $1.50 per hour shift differential for second and third shifts, and a pay structure where team leads receive their hourly rate plus an additional 10%. Compensated time off will now count toward hours worked for overtime calculations.
The agreement also introduces a new classification system with increased pay rates beginning January 1, 2027, which aims to end favoritism by clearly defining advancement opportunities. A further wage increase of 2.75% is set to take effect on January 1, 2028.
Additional benefits secured through negotiations include expanded safe and sick leave policies, eight paid holidays plus four floating holidays each year, capped annual increases on defined medical, dental, and vision insurance costs, free life and disability insurance coverage, clear layoff and recall procedures, strengthened grievance processes with enforceable timelines, guaranteed union representation on every shift, and regular joint labor-management committee meetings involving 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.”
With this ratification vote in Plattsburgh, these newly organized workers join existing IAM-represented colleagues at Alstom’s Hornell facility in New York. This move expands both local union presence within Alstom’s operations as well as IAM District 19 membership.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members across various industries including aerospace; defense; airlines; shipbuilding; rail; transit; healthcare; automotive; among others throughout North America.
