January 28, 2026
Sanford, Florida – On January 19, 2026, ATDA represented Train Dispatchers from the SunRail system voted in overwhelming favor of ratifying a new 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement. Effective January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028, the newly ratified Agreement will provide a significant step forward in wages, benefits, and long-term economic security for the covered members.
The wage impact will be felt immediately, as the SunRail Dispatchers will receive “day one” pay increases totaling 6.79% retroactive to January 1, 2026. Together with later general wage increases provided through the Agreement, covered members will receive a total compounded wage increase of 11.1% over three years. In addition to this, all Train Dispatchers and Dispatcher Trainees will receive a signing bonus.
For 2026, the current Health & Welfare benefit plans remain in place with employee premium increases capped at no more than 6%. In 2027, SunRail members will transition into a new plan, resulting in reduced employee monthly premiums and lowered out-of-pocket maximums. Under the Agreement, deductible increases and employee contributions for 2027–2028 cannot exceed 10% annually, providing meaningful cost protection during the transition period.
ATDA Vice President Colin Thurman, the Organization’s lead national representative during bargaining with Alstom, had the following to say in response, “Congratulations to General Chairwoman Tracy Bainum on her efforts to reach an agreement that includes significant improvements on wages for SunRail Train Dispatchers. I also want to thank Secretary-Treasurer Bill Sikes for his contributions.”
SunRail System Committee General Chairwoman Tracy Bainum, ATDA’s lead local representative during negotiations, added the following, “After a lot of hard work and tough discussions at the negotiating table, ATDA has reached an agreement with the Carrier on behalf of the SunRail Members. This agreement reflects what our members told us mattered most, especially when it comes to wages, while keeping the contract language and protections we already have in place. I’m genuinely excited about what we were able to achieve.”
