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 represents a significant development for rail manufacturing workers in upstate New York.
The agreement follows an organizing campaign that brought these rail production workers into the IAM Union. According to union representatives, the new contract will provide enforceable rights, set clear standards, and bring improvements in wages and job protections.
IAM members at the Plattsburgh facility are involved in manufacturing, assembling, and repairing railcars and components used by passenger rail systems across the United States.
The newly ratified contract includes an immediate 3% wage increase on top of a previous 2.8% raise received in April 2025. Additional terms include a $1.50 per hour shift differential for second and third shifts, a 10% premium for team leads, overtime calculations that include compensated time off, and a new classification system with increased pay rates starting January 1, 2027. The agreement also provides for a further 2.75% wage increase effective January 1, 2028.
Other provisions cover expanded safe and sick leave benefits, eight paid holidays plus four floating holidays each year, defined costs for medical, dental, and vision insurance with capped annual increases, free life and disability insurance coverage, layoff and recall protections, grievance procedures with enforceable timelines, guaranteed union representation on every shift, and monthly joint labor-management meetings with 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 Plattsburgh employees join other IAM-represented workers at Alstom’s Hornell facility in New York State. They will become part of IAM District 19 while establishing their own local chapter.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents about 600,000 active and retired members working in sectors such as aerospace manufacturing; defense; airlines; shipbuilding; rail; transit; healthcare; automotive; among others throughout North America.
