October 13, 2025
Jeffersonville, Indiana – ATDA members from the Louisville & Indiana System have unanimously voted in favor of ratifying a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. The new Agreement will substantially increase wages, enhance benefits, and improve working conditions for covered Bridge Operators and Train Dispatchers.
Central to the new agreement are wage increases compounding to 29.4% over five years, with the initial increase of 15% due on January 1, 2026. The proposed agreement also includes a comprehensive package of pay arbitraries and other quality of life enhancements designed to recognize the vital nature of the ATDA members’ work:
Other key provisions of the Agreement include:
- Additional Arbitrary Pay: In addition to daily wage increases, the agreement will also add contractual provisions for year-end availability bonuses for good attendance, a one-time ratification bonus of $2,000, and enhanced compensation for those working holidays that pays overtime in addition to their regular daily wage (2.5 x pay).
- Expanded Personal Leave: Upon ratification, employees with 10+ years of service will be eligible for up to six personal leave days annually (increased from four), while those with strong attendance will earn up to two additional personal leave days for the following year, which they may use without providing advance notice.
- Healthcare Cost Protections: Annual increases to the monthly cost-share of employee health and welfare will be capped at 6%.
- Scheduling Protections: The newly negotiated order of call provides optional overtime opportunities in seniority order, while eliminating mandatory “sixth day” work which was previously paid at straight time.
ATDA Secretary-Treasurer Bill Sikes, who negotiated the Agreement with L&I, said, “I’m happy that our L&I members will now receive a well-deserved pay increase, along with some important contractual improvements. It’s an honor to represent them.”
