IAM Local 478

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

UNION CONTRACTS PAY!

A BNSF Denver Machinist was unjustly removed from service. Thanks to the due process protections negotiated in the contract, the case was challenged through the grievance and arbitration process.

The Arbitrator ultimately ruled in the member's favor, restoring his job and making him whole with approximately $150,000 in back pay.

This is exactly why union contracts matter. Without a contract, management's decision is often the final word. With a union contract, members have representation, due process, and access to a neutral arbitrator who can overturn unjust discipline.

A special thank you to General Chairman John Denny for his work handling this case through the arbitration process and securing a strong arbitration award.

06/10/2026

Congratulations, Roger Hackbarth, on your retirement after 37 years of dedicated service. Thank you for your hard work and commitment over the years. Wishing you happiness, good health, and enjoyment in your well-earned retirement!

05/27/2026

Recently at IAM Local 325, Union Pacific Railroad brought in contractors to perform Machinist work at the Jenkes Shop in North Little Rock, Arkansas. After a three year fight that resulted in two arbitration awards in favor of the Union, the Carrier has finally settled the dispute by bringing the work back in house, removing contractors from the property, bulletining a new Machinist position, and paying out $175,000 in claims to the Machinists on the Jenkes Shop roster.

This victory started at the local level. A huge thank you goes out to Local 325 Chairman Robert Roush for enforcing the agreement, staying engaged throughout the process, and working closely with District 19 leadership every step of the way. We also want to recognize APDGC Kenny Krause and General Chairman Heath Jacobs for their work and commitment during this fight.

Victories like this prove one thing clearly: Union Contracts Pay. Strong agreements only matter when members and local leadership are willing to enforce them. The IAM Union continues to invest in developing strong local leadership and a knowledgeable rank and file through one of the only full time union training schools in the labor movement. That commitment is helping build a stronger organization capable of defending our work, protecting our agreements, and winning real results for our members.

05/25/2026

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from IAM Local 478! 🌹

Today we honor all the hardworking mothers and mother figures who keep our families and communities strong. Thank you for your dedication, sacrifice, and love both on and off the railroad.

We appreciate you today and every day.