TZPR Local 198 benefits from new CBA

Tazewell and Peoria (TZPR), Local 198 (Peoria, Ill.) members unanimously ratified a new five-year agreement June 2, 2017.
The new agreement duration is retroactive to November 1, 2014 and goes through October 31, 2019, and provides five general wage increases totaling 14 percent with full back pay. An hourly increase of 15 percent will also be provided with the contract. Members will enjoy increased paid vacation time and establishes five to eight paid flex days per year for all employees. The agreement also provides for an increase in 401k employer contribution match from 3 to 4 percent. Members will also be enrolled in the Genesee and Wyoming Midwest Region short-term disability program.
“Former General Chairperson Brandt Bechtold, General Chairperson Chad Rossman and Local 198 President Joe Haney did an excellent job of bringing members’ concerns to the table,” said SMART TD Vice President Dave Wier.
Part of Genesee & Wyoming Inc., TZPR operates 24 track miles and interchanges with BNSF, Canadian National, Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, Keokuk Junction Railway, Illinois & Midland Railroad, Iowa Interstate Railway and the Toledo, Peoria & Western Railway all at Creve Coeur, Ill. Commodities shipped by the railroad include chemicals, coal, construction materials, food and feed products, forest products, steel and scrap.