Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

President Trump & Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Have Struck a Great Deal to Deliver Christmas Bonuses to Amtrak’s Unionized Workforce

Thursday, December 11, 2025

$900 bonus reflects President Trump’s commitment to delivering bigger paychecks to American Workers 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced a deal struck between the U.S. Department of Transportation and Amtrak’s management and board of directors to deliver bonuses of $900 to more than 18,000 Amtrak rail workers this Christmas season to celebrate a record year of ridership and revenue.

At the request and urging of the Trump Administration, Amtrak’s executive leadership team has decided to forgo 50% of the bonus packages that would have been paid out under the misplaced priorities of the previous executive bonus structure. Further, also at the suggestion of the Trump Administration, Amtrak’s Board of Directors has have taken action to eliminate long-term incentive bonuses for the corporation’s senior executives and has voted to distribute the affected executive bonus funds to Amtrak’s unionized frontline workers in the form of $900 bonuses.   

“This administration cares about the hardworking men and women who keep this country moving,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “We are truly in the golden age of travel. Whether you’re flying, riding the subway, or taking the train, my department is working every day to enhance the travel experience for the American people. We rely on our incredible workforce, including our unionized workers at Amtrak, to make it all possible.”  

Under the Trump Administration, USDOT’s discovered Biden-Buttigieg era bonus structures for Amtrak’s executive team that resulted in exorbitant payouts for senior staff. Under Secretary Duffy, USDOT will restructure these levels to be more competitive to ensure employees are properly awarded.  

“We applaud Amtrak and its executive leadership team for doing the right thing,” said U.S. Transportation Deputy Secretary Steven G. Bradbury, Secretary Duffy’s representative to the Amtrak Board of Directors.  

“Amtrak is making real progress. The system is seeing record ridership and revenue, expanded service, and improved customer service. One other area of improvement deserves to be mentioned: Due to the urging of the Trump administration, end-of-year bonuses will now go to 18,000 front-line workers rather than being limited to the executive ranks. This long-overdue recognition of the employees who keep the railroad moving is a step in the right direction" said Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen National President Mark Wallace.

“SMART-TD appreciates Amtrak’s decision to prioritize the men and women who keep our passenger rail system running every day. Providing frontline employees with a meaningful bonus is an important acknowledgment of their dedication and service, especially during the holiday season. We thank the Trump administration for supporting this effort to recognize the hardworking employees who make Amtrak strong,” said SMART-TD President Jeremy Ferguson.

Learn more about Amtrak’s year of records in their annual recap HERE. 

###