On August 29, ATU Local 265 members cast their vote on the tentative agreement reached with VTA just twenty days earlier. Out of 1,106 votes cast, 594 members voted ‘yes’ and 512 members voted ‘no’, meaning that ATU has ratified a new three-year successor agreement.

“We cannot be more pleased with the outcome of the vote after a year of negotiating with ATU,” stated Teresa O’Neill, VTA Board Chair. “Throughout this process, our most important goal was to reach an agreement that protects the public, the taxpayer and our customers. This contract ensures long-term financial sustainability for the organization while still providing equitable and competitive compensation for employees.”

This agreement consists of a net 9% wage increase over a three-year period: a 3.0% increase (4.5% wage increase less 1.5% towards additional pension contributions) in year one; 3.0% increase in year two; and 3.0% increase in year three. In addition to the wage increase, ATU employees will receive a slight increase in: a) vision plan coverage, b) a shift differential, and c) bilingual pay. 

Staff will be making a recommendation for VTA Board approval of the agreement at their next meeting on September 5, 2019. The term of the agreement is from September 9, 2019 through September 8, 2022 and will cost $37.4 million over the next three years.