ATDA backs UP-NS merger after Union Pacific jobs deal

The dispatchers union job-protection agreement has led ATDA to support the proposed merger. Union Pacific said it reached the agreement with the American Train Dispatchers Association. UP said the deal would guarantee members jobs for life if the merger is completed.

ATDA’s backing follows similar jobs for life agreements UP had already reached with five other unions. Those earlier deals were previously covered by Railway Supply.

How the dispatchers union job-protection agreement works?

The arrangement would apply to ATDA-represented employees who are working when the merger takes effect. They would still need to meet the usual requirements for continued employment.

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ATDA President L. Ed McDowell said he now supports the merger. In a press release, he said UP is “guaranteing our members work as ATDA Train Dispatchers for life, committing to the preservation of their right to their union work, and collaborating with us to maintain their stability.”

Union support for the Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger

Those earlier agreements were with five unions:

• the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers-Transportation Division
• the National Conference of Firemen and Oilers
• the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen
• the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers
• the United Supervisors Council of America

SMART-TD was the first to reach such a deal with UP, as reported by Trains.

UP CEO Jim Vena said, “We pledged from the first day we announced the merger that creating a seamless, transcontinental railroad will be good for our employees. I want to thank ATDA; it was great working with them to move forward on a deal that supports our employees. This unprecedented jobs-for-life agreement underscores that commitment and confidence in the benefits of the merger for our nation, our workforce and our customers.”

Unions still opposed to the merger

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen remains opposed to the proposed merger. The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division does as well.

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