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SamTrans reaches new deal with operators and maintenance workers union

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San Mateo County Transit District (SamTrans) employees will receive annual wage increases over the next three years thanks to a new contract agreement between the transit district and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1574, which represents bus operators and maintenance workers.

The new, four-year contract—spanning from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2024—includes three annual wage increases for SamTrans’ employees, according to a statement from SamTrans.

SamTrans said that, as part of the agreement, a 4 percent wage increase will occur upon ratification, with 3.5 percent increases happening June 19, 2022 and June 18, 2023. Full-time union members also will receive a $3,500 lump-sum payment within two pay periods of the Board of Directors’ ratification of the contract. Part-time employees will receive $1,750, while extra-help employees will receive $1,300 in lump sum payments.

Along with the ATU Local 1574 agreement, SamTrans said it also recently reached five separate three-year agreements with Teamsters Local 856 that represents its employees working as bus transportation supervisors, bus contract inspectors, maintenance and utility supervisors, facility maintenance technicians, maintenance instructors and transit instructors.

SamTrans General Manager/CEO Carter Mau said that after many months of negotiations, “we are proud to announce this fair and equitable contract agreement.” He added that SamTrans’ frontline employees “have worked through difficult conditions over the past two years to deliver reliable and dependable transit service,” and that the contract “reflects their commitment and professionalism.”

SamTrans is a public transit district that provides bus service throughout San Mateo County and nearby communities. Learn more here.