Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad Workers Celebrate First Contract Victory with Teamsters

Florida Gulf & Atlantic Railroad Workers Celebrate First Contract Victory

On December 4, 2024, workers from the Florida Gulf & Atlantic (FG&A) Railroad proudly announced the ratification of their first union contract. This important agreement, reached with the guidance of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), represents a significant milestone for over two dozen dedicated train and engine service employees. The FG&A Railroad operates an impressive 430 miles of track spanning across Florida and Georgia, serving as a crucial transportation link in the region.

Randy Fannon, Vice President and Organizing Director of the BLET, articulated the workers' needs leading up to this victory: “Railroaders at FG&A wanted union representation to address issues related to safety, working conditions, wages, and other compensation with their employer.” With this contract, the FG&A workers have established an essential framework that allows them to hold management accountable, a stark contrast to the former environment where they faced potential discipline and discharge at the whim of their employers.

The five-year agreement ensures that the workers will receive a robust pay increase of 18.3% over the contract’s duration. Additionally, employees now have the right to earn overtime pay, which was not guaranteed previously. The new contract also enhances personal time off, implements a formal grievance mechanism for addressing workplace complaints, and affords meaningful protections against unjust disciplinary actions.

Another notable aspect of this contract is the establishment of a seniority system, granting employees the privilege of prior rights, bolstering job security. Before affiliating with the Teamsters, FG&A workers operated under an at-will framework, leaving them vulnerable to arbitrary management decisions. Now, they have a structured agreement that prioritizes their rights and well-being.

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, proudly represents 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, advocating for workers’ rights and better working conditions. Their commitment to labor unions has been unwavering, reinforcing workers' solidarity across various industries.

In a broader context, the ratification of this contract reflects a growing trend among railroad workers advocating for better working conditions and fair compensation. As labor movements regain momentum across the nation, the FG&A employees' success stands as a beacon of hope for other workers seeking representation.

For more information about the Teamsters and their ongoing initiatives to support labor rights, visit Teamster.org or follow them on Twitter @Teamsters. The ratification of the FG&A Railroad workers’ contract marks not just a victory for its members but a significant moment in the ongoing dialogue surrounding workers’ rights in the transportation sector.