Hammond, Indiana – On 10/4/2024, the American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) and Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad (IHB) reached a tentative 5-year agreement that will raise Train Dispatcher pay by a total 17.5%. When compounded, however, increases will actually total 18.77% over the next 5 years.
Additionally, the agreement accelerates the paid vacation accrual schedule, so Dispatchers reach each service threshold faster. The agreement also features improvements to the healthcare plan.
ATDA President Ed Dowell celebrated the new agreement, by saying, “I’m encouraged to see yet another railroad agree to terms on fair wages and benefits. This agreement provides wage increases on schedule, rather than forcing a prolonged battle for retroactive pay. Additionally, I’d like to thank ATDA VP Kevin Porter and General Chairman Jordan Snodderly for their work on this agreement. It’s now up to the members to make their voices heard.”
ATDA VP Kevin Porter, the Organization’s lead representative to IHB, said “This agreement meets the most important needs for our members. What’s more, our collective bargaining process has now obtained combined wage increases of 42% over a 10-year period. When also considering the ability to earn paid time off faster (even for the newest members), and improvements to health and welfare benefits, we’re looking at remarkable progress.”
IHB General Chairman Jordan Snoderly also celebrated the agreement, by saying, “First and foremost, thanks to Vice President Porter. This is my first experience with bargaining, and his leadership and experience through this was amazing. From where we started 9 years ago, it’s amazing to think of where we’re at now. It’s unbelievable that I can support my family and have my lifestyle because of the ATDA.”