The American Train Dispatchers Association (Train Dispatchers) is an American trade union representing railroad workers. The Train Dispatchers belong to the AFLâÂÂCIO as one of the organization's smallest members.
ATDA is a craft union representing American railroad workers. While most of ATDA's members are Train Dispatchers (aka Rail Traffic Controllers), 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.
The Train Dispatchers hold collective bargaining agreements with the following companies:
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.