"This affiliation makes sense on so many levels," said IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger as he announced the merge of the IAM and the Transportation Communications International Union (TCU). "We're joined by our common heritage as rail unions founded more than a century ago and by our growth over the years to include workers throughout the transportation industry. This 'union of unions' will also give us greater strength to face the economic challenges that confront our members and workers everywhere."

TCU was founded in 1899 as the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks and grew over the years to include a diverse roster that includes clerks, carmen and supervisors. Among the unions that joined the TCU since it’s founding were the Order of Railway Telegraphers, the American Railway Supervisors Association, the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen and the legendary Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters.

"The men and women of TCU come from many backgrounds, but we share the dreams of working people everywhere," said TCU International President Bob Scardelletti. "This affiliation with the IAM gives each one of us a better shot at turning those dreams into reality."

The agreement concludes months of discussions between the IAM and TCU and will boost the IAM's membership to nearly 700,000 active and retired members.

The IAM-TCU agreement comes as AFL-CIO member unions debate voluntary affiliations versus forced mergers. "This voluntary affiliation between two AFL-CIO unions serves as a good example of the kind of consolidation that honors our democratic traditions and avoids the complications of forced mergers," said Buffenbarger.

A History of TCU

TCU Website »