Members of UE Local 1077 have ratified a new contract with rail contractor PTI, which went into effect on April 15. The contract includes immediate wage increases between 2.25 and 4.5 percent for members who have worked at PTI for over six months. The members also won yearly wage increases between two percent and 3.75 percent depending on seniority, and secured strong language ensuring full-time employment.
Drivers with over three years of seniority will see their wages increase by over 12 percent during the life of the contract. Local 1077 member April Sambrano explained that the most important win alongside raises in the contract was the guarantee of more hours. “The wages and hours are the most important. Without the hours, you aren't going to make the wages. That was a big deal to me.”
The contract also includes improved vacation pay and language allowing flexible schedules. New standby pay protections ensure that drivers who wait on the road board and do not receive a call for over 24 hours in a 48 hour period will be compensated with two hours of pay. Other wins include compensation for personal cell phone use and an expansion of bereavement leave to cover more family members.
Throughout the contract campaign, the members focused on educating and strengthening the membership. Building connections between members and educating them about the union was a primary focus for the local during the fight. They held educational meetings, passed out pamphlets with information and testimonies from members, and were successful in recruiting new stewards and leaders in the local.
“I'm really glad the union fought for this,” Sambrano said. “Without the union, we wouldn't get what we deserve and we deserve a lot more than PTI gives us.”
The negotiating committee consisted of Brittany Donnegan and Sandra Torres. They were assisted by Field Organizer Fred Hatef and International Representative J Burger.