METRA

I received the following today, I have until tomorrow to let the GCA know if we want to begin the bargaining process early.

The attached letter of understanding would allow us to begin Section 6 bargaining with Metra immediately, instead of waiting until November of this year. As you may recall, we wanted to begin the process last November, but Metra insisted on postponing it until November of 2025. They have begun negotiations with Chip Waugh and would like us to be included so we can discuss some standardization/modernization ideas they have that would make the agreements across their operations more similar. I questioned bargaining as a group with Chip Waugh because we have autonomy from his General Committee and I don’t want to negotiate a system agreement with his Committee. They recognize our autonomy and have committed to bargain separately on any and all issues we want to discuss.   

FYI, there is a typo in the LOU I asked to get corrected. The date listed under “Section 14. Section 6 Notices” should reflect July 21, 2025.

If we agree to begin bargaining now, I’ll send the attached letter and initial Section 6 proposal to Metra. As you will see from the letter, we’ve reserved the right to amend and/or supplement the Section 6 proposal at any time. This will give you the opportunity to canvass your locals and put together any items you wish to include in the amended proposal, in addition to what’s already listed in our initial Section 6.

Please respond to this email if you are “for” or “against” commencing Section 6 bargaining with Metra immediately by 12:00 CST, Wednesday, July 23, 2025. I know this is short notice, but Metra needs to know if we will be attending the upcoming bargaining sessions.  

Fraternally,

Luke Edington

General Chairman

SMART TD GO-953