December 12, 2025
Washington, D.C. — The American Train Dispatchers Association (ATDA) welcomes Amtrak’s December 11, 2025 announcement that more than 18,000 unionized frontline employees will receive a $900 recognition award in January, following a historic year of record ridership and revenue.
In an internal message to employees, Amtrak Chairman Tony Coscia thanked frontline workers for delivering a “uniquely distinctive year of performance” in FY25, noting that Amtrak’s success is directly tied to the dedication, professionalism, and customer-focused service provided by its union workforce.
“Our customers tell us that they love Amtrak because of the experiences they have with you,” Coscia wrote, emphasizing that the award reflects the Board’s appreciation for the employees whose daily commitment made those achievements possible.
According to reporting from Trains.com, the bonus comes alongside a restructuring of Amtrak’s executive bonus system. Senior leaders have agreed to forgo 50% of their incentive payouts, and the company has eliminated long-term executive bonuses to redirect more resources toward the employees on the front lines.
ATDA System Committee General Chairman Jessica Veltri applauded the announcement, saying:
“These bonuses are a well-deserved recognition of our hard-working members. As Amtrak Chairman of the Board Coscia stated in yesterday’s internal announcement, this is a reward for the excellent service provided by front-line, union, Amtrak employees to our customers. It shows not only the quality of their work, and the value they provide, but also the continued value of ATDA representation. Amtrak works for America and unions work for American workers!”
ATDA Vice President Barry Cross echoed that sentiment:
“This news of Amtrak providing a bonus to the Union Employees is a much-appreciated gesture. Our Members work hard every day to provide safe, on time, professional service for the public and I personally appreciate Amtrak demonstrating their appreciation for our union brothers and sisters, especially during the holiday season. Let’s also point out the obvious: Amtrak’s record year of ridership and revenue shows that Americans want and need reliable passenger rail. We must fight to protect it!”
As highlighted in national coverage of the announcement, this recognition underscores the vital role that union employees, including those represented by ATDA, play in delivering safe, reliable passenger rail service. The work of our Load Dispatchers, Power Directors, and Train Dispatchers is exemplary and remains essential to Amtrak’s success.
ATDA commends Amtrak for acknowledging the exceptional work performed by its frontline union employees and for taking steps to ensure that they are recognized for their contributions.
