After nearly five months of intense negotiations, amid a nationwide crisis and protests, Local 252 reached a tentative agreement with Transdev on June 3 that secures major wins for its Transit members.
“This was a long battle, with 13 sessions during a pandemic that put New York State and Nassau County into poverty with little hope of improvement. Thanks to a great committee, we managed to make the company understand the necessity of agreeing to our economic proposals,” said Local 252 President Debra Hagan. “This huge victory is a bright spot in such dark times.”
Going into the negotiations, the local hoped to gain wage raises of 3% per year, but the pandemic caused significant budget problems for the state and county, causing the local to re-evaluate the union’s demands. However, the union came a very long way – gaining 7% in wage increases over three years with 2% , 2 ¼% and 2 ¾%, and a potential $1,000 cash bonus to all members in year two, if Transdev gets their projected budget from the county.
In addition, the contract also includes:
- 401K match increased by 1%
- Increase in the Class A mechanics pay of $1.86 per hour, in addition to the wage increase percentages closing the gap between those hired prior to 1998 and post 1998
- Increased the rest time to 9 hours between daily shift reports
- Increased the holiday differential to $4 per hour
- Increased Articulator pay differential
- Gained additional $1.50 per hour for Bus Operators and Maintenance Technicians while training and shadowing new hires
- Gained the classification and recognition of Backers as union members
- Additional union participation in assignment of work
- Dozens of additional beneficial provisions for union members
“Congratulations to President Hagan and the members at Local 252 working for Transdev,” said International President John Samuelsen. “Considering the tumultuous time we are going through, this contract is priceless.”
Members are expected to vote on the contract June 24, 2020.