North Billerica, Massachusetts – On 7/18/2024, ATDA Train Dispatchers from the Berkshire & Eastern railroad ratified an agreement with Genesee & Wyoming that will provide improved working conditions and a significant pay increase. While the Agreement secured improved leave time for Dispatchers and addressed work rules, it also includes a hefty pay increase. This includes immediate daily rate and transfer pay increases that equate to a 37% raise. The agreement will also provide further general wage increases in each of the next 4 years. This will effectively elevate the B&E Dispatchers’ pay to the level of their counterparts from class-1 railroads. ATDA Vice President Barry Cross Jr., who led negotiations on behalf of the B&E Dispatchers, said “I am proud of what we accomplished on behalf of our members, because they deserve these improvements. Ed Kadlick, the MBCR General Chairman was also very helpful in this process, and I’m appreciative of his role in helping to get this done. I am also thankful that Genesee & Wyoming recognized the value of our members and worked with us to do the right thing. We look forward to working with them again in the near future.”
(From left to right: Student Sam Stokley, Train Dispatcher Bailey Royer, Train Dispatcher Casey Pioli, ATDA Vice President Barry Cross, and MBCR General Chairman Ed Kadlick)