Whether you are a blue-collar worker in Western Pennsylvania, a beach bum in California, or anyone else in much of the United States serviced by Amtrak, you may be wondering what benefits and opportunities Amtrak can offer you personally.
Firstly, Amtrak offers competitive wages and benefits for its employees, which includes health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and employee discounts on train travel. Depending on the role you are applying for, you may also be eligible for overtime pay and other incentives.
Secondly, Amtrak offers opportunities for career growth and development. As a large organization, Amtrak has a variety of positions available in areas such as maintenance, operations, and customer service. If you are looking for a long-term career with opportunities for advancement, Amtrak may be a good fit for you. The company also offers training programs to help you develop new skills and advance your career.
Thirdly, working for Amtrak provides a sense of pride and satisfaction in contributing to an important industry. Amtrak is a national transportation company that plays a vital role in connecting people and communities across the country. As an employee, you would be a part of this important mission, helping to keep America’s railways running safely and efficiently.
Finally, working for Amtrak can offer job stability and security. As a large, established company, Amtrak has a strong track record of weathering economic downturns and maintaining stable employment for its workers. If job security is important to you, Amtrak may be a good option.
Brief history of Amtrak
Amtrak is a government-owned corporation. It was created by the US Congress in 1970 as a replacement for the private passenger rail companies that were struggling financially at the time. The creation of Amtrak allowed for a unified and efficient passenger rail network in the United States, and the company has been owned and operated by the federal government ever since.
While Amtrak is owned by the government, it operates as a business and is expected to be financially self-sufficient, covering its operating expenses through ticket sales and other revenue streams.
Are Amtrak workers part of a union?
Many Amtrak workers are part of unions. Amtrak has a long history of unionization, and a number of labor unions represent Amtrak employees in various roles, including train operators, mechanics, electricians, and customer service representatives.
Some of the major unions that represent Amtrak workers include the Transportation Communications Union (TCU), the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).
The role of these unions is to negotiate with Amtrak management on behalf of their members to establish collective bargaining agreements that cover wages, benefits, working conditions, and other employment-related issues. Union membership is not mandatory at Amtrak, but many workers choose to join a union to have the collective bargaining power and representation that a union provides.
Amtrak has a variety of job categories, and many of these categories are represented by labor unions. Here is a breakdown of some of the major job categories and the unions that represent them:
Train operators and conductors – These workers are responsible for operating and managing Amtrak’s trains, ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. The major union representing train operators and conductors at Amtrak is the Transportation Communications Union (TCU).
Mechanics and electricians – These workers are responsible for maintaining and repairing Amtrak’s trains and locomotives. The major union representing mechanics and electricians at Amtrak is the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
Customer service representatives – These workers interact directly with passengers, providing information and assistance throughout the customer journey. The major union representing customer service representatives at Amtrak is the Transportation Communications Union (TCU).
Engineers and architects – These workers are responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of Amtrak’s infrastructure, including bridges, tunnels, and stations. The major union representing engineers and architects at Amtrak is the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE).
Administrative and professional staff – These workers perform a variety of tasks to support Amtrak’s operations, including accounting, human resources, marketing, and legal work. The major union representing administrative and professional staff at Amtrak is the National Association of Professional and Technical Employees (NAPTE).
On-board service workers – These workers are responsible for providing food and beverage service on Amtrak’s trains. The major union representing on-board service workers at Amtrak is the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
Police and security officers – These workers are responsible for maintaining safety and security on Amtrak’s trains and in its stations. The major union representing police and security officers at Amtrak is the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM).
Information technology (IT) workers – These workers are responsible for developing and maintaining Amtrak’s computer systems and networks. The major union representing IT workers at Amtrak is the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Baggage handlers and cleaners – These workers are responsible for handling baggage and maintaining cleanliness on Amtrak’s trains. The major union representing baggage handlers and cleaners at Amtrak is the Service Employees International Union (SEIU).
It’s worth noting that the unions representing Amtrak workers may vary depending on the specific job category and location. For example, some entry-level positions, such as cashiers or ticket agents, may not be represented by a union. Additionally, some managers and executives may also not be represented by a union.
However, it’s important to note that even if a job category is not represented by a union, workers still have certain rights and protections under federal and state labor laws. For example, all workers are entitled to a minimum wage, overtime pay, and a safe working environment. Additionally, workers who feel that their rights have been violated can file a complaint with the appropriate government agency or seek legal representation.
Overall, while not all Amtrak workers are represented by a union, those who are represented by a union have the benefit of collective bargaining, which can help to ensure fair wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Amtrak worker salaries:
- Non-represented positions: According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an Amtrak cashier is $15 per hour, while the average salary for a ticket agent is $21 per hour. It’s worth noting that these figures are self-reported by employees and may vary depending on location and experience.
- Union-represented positions: The salaries for Amtrak workers who are represented by a union can vary depending on the job category and union contract. Here are some examples of average salaries for union-represented positions, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Train conductors and yardmasters: $66,620 per year (represented by the Transportation Communications Union)
- Locomotive engineers: $71,590 per year (represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen)
- Maintenance of way workers: $64,750 per year (represented by the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers)
- On-board service workers: $35,870 per year (represented by the Transport Workers Union)
It’s important to note that these figures are based on national averages and may vary depending on location and experience. Additionally, union contracts can also include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Sources:
- Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com/Hourly-Pay/Amtrak-Cashier-Hourly-Pay-E10699_D_KO7,14.htm
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/home.htm