BRS, Amtrak sign tentative agreement

The Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) and Amtrak have reached and signed a tentative agreement covering wages and benefits.The agreement provides for a wage increase through 2021, with an 18.8 percent compounded increase over the life of the agreement, BRS officials said in a press release.Additionally, the agreement calls for freezing the monthly health care contribution, with new benefits provided. The pact also establishes a new-hire alternative health care plan.The tentative agreement will be submitted to BRS members at Amtrak to consider and vote on ratification.