More than 135 full-time and part-time production employees who build and repair rail cars and locomotives at Alstom Transportation in Plattsburgh, N.Y., voted to join the IAM.
The workers acknowledged the importance of having a stronger voice in their workplace and decided to join a union. They learned that the IAM already represented their counterparts at the Alstom facility in Hornell, N.Y. This connection motivated them to reach out to the IAM Organizing Department, which quickly helped them to organize a campaign that successfully led to a union vote.
The successful campaign to form a union was accomplished in a remarkable six-week timeframe – an unprecedented speed in the realm of labor organizing.
“The campaign took six weeks and it’s definitely the fastest campaign I’ve ever been a part of,” said IAM International Representative Joe Cicala. “Credit goes to the exceptional organizing team, who were well-prepared, researched, and effectively communicated with coworkers, ultimately driving the campaign’s success.”
The Alstom Transportation plant in Plattsburgh joins the other IAM-represented facilities in Hornell, where a diverse workforce collaborates to build and refurbish locomotives, commuter rail cars, and track equipment.
“The IAM remains committed to supporting and empowering the workforce at Alstom Transportation,” said IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division Josh Hartford. “This effort is a clear testament to the growing recognition among employees of the necessity for collective strength in advocating for their rights and interests in an evolving industry.”
This victory marks the first step for Alstom workers to achieve a collective voice, fair treatment, and dignity, along with guaranteed structured benefits that an IAM Collective Bargaining Agreement would provide.
“We are extremely proud of these workers and the struggle they have fought,” said IAM Assistant Organizing Director Juan Eldridge. “While we celebrate this achievement, it’s important to recognize the collective efforts that brought us here—the workers who stood united and the IAM Organizing Department for their support throughout this crucial process.”
The post IAM Organizing Department Continues Success, Adds 135+ Rail Workers at Alstom in New York appeared first on IAMAW.