June 18, 2026
Anchorage, Alaska – On June 16, 2026, American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) members from the Alaska Railroad unanimously ratified a new Collective Bargaining Agreement that will increase wages, provide work-rule improvements, and preserve key benefits.
The three-year agreement includes compounding general wage increases of 8.7% but also includes elevated meal period pay of $25, and increases third-shift-differential pay to $2.50 per hour. In addition to the pay increases, the agreement improves language covering bereavement and FMLA leave, while also providing two consecutive rest days for student Dispatchers. Member health insurance was preserved in its current state, as was access to the current employer 401k match.
While the unanimous ratification vote is already a strong sign of member solidarity on the System, this is further accentuated by the fact that 100% of eligible voters cast their ballots. ATDA Vice President Brandon Denucci, the Organization’s National Representative of the Alaska members, attributed this to strong local leadership, saying, “Congratulations to General Chair Elison and System Treasurer Michalske. This was a difficult round of bargaining, but they were committed to getting the best deal possible for their members, while ensuring current benefits were not compromised. Seeing 100% of the membership not only cast a ballot, but cast a ballot in favor of the agreement is a testament to Caitlin and Matt’s leadership and hard work.”
Alaska System Committee General Chair Caitlin Elison, the lead local representative during negotiations, added the following, “Matt and I are very pleased with the unanimous ratification vote. Thank you to ATDA National and Brandon Denucci in particular for his work in coming up here to negotiate on our behalf.”
