The tentative agreement’s terms closely follow recommendations of a Presidential Emergency Board created by President George W. Bush to investigate the more than eight-year-long contract dispute. Provisions include wage increases that average 35.2 percent over the life of the January 1, 2000 – December 31, 2009 agreement, or 3.1 percent compounded per year. Retroactive pay varies, but averages $12,800 which will be paid in two installments.

"Amtrak wanted a regressive agreement that gutted our work language and dramatically eroded job security," said IAM District 19 President Joe Duncan. "We retained all the work rules that Amtrak demanded be changed and secured retroactive wage increases for our members. All coalition unions recommend ratification of the agreement."

The tentative agreement is subject to membership ratification. Each union will hold separate and independent membership ratification votes.

Revised and reprinted from the IAM news site, www.goiam.org