American Train Dispatchers Association


The American Train Dispatchers Association is an American trade union representing railroad workers. The Train Dispatchers belong to the AFL–CIO as one of the organization's smallest members.

About

ATDA is a craft union representing American railroad workers. While most of ATDA's members are Train Dispatchers, the Organization also represents Power Directors, Power Supervisors, Load Dispatchers, Maintenance of Way employees, Bridge Operators, Footboard Yardmasters, Bridge Operators, Assistant Chief Dispatchers, and those working in Train and Engine service.
ATDA is the preeminent Organization providing representation to Train Dispatchers in the United States, as it represents those on all but one Class-I railroad, Amtrak, various commuter lines, and many short line systems.

Railroads where ATDA represents workers

The Train Dispatchers hold collective bargaining agreements with the following companies:

History

The union was founded in 1917 at a convention in Spokane, Washington. An earlier organization called the Train Dispatchers Association of America preceded the establishment of the ATDA by 27 years. During the Great Railroad Strike of 1922, the Train Dispatchers did not participate but neither would they perform work of other unions.