Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and the Amalgamated Transit Union, ATU Local 265, approved a new three-year labor agreement last week.
The agreement will go into effect March 7, 2022, months ahead of the previous contract’s September 2022 expiration date.
The contract provides a pay increase of two percent the first year, four percent the second year and four percent the third year. Additionally, there will be a one-time appreciation payment of $3,500 for all ATU members. The union noted the agreement provides a path to increase the starting pay for new operators and reduces the time it takes new operators to earn top pay.
“ATU applauds VTA General Manager Carolyn Gonot for prioritizing our request to commit to a new contract,” said John Courtney, ATU Local 265 president and business agent. “With a new agreement in place, we are optimistic both parties can work towards positive substantive changes to the culture at VTA.”
The authority says reaching the agreement early will “create further stability for employees after an incredibly tough year.”
“We are heartened to reach such an expedient agreement with our largest union as our workforce continues to heal from an especially arduous year that included not only the protracted pandemic, but a crippling cyberattack, and the horrific shooting attack at our Guadalupe Light Rail Yard,” said Santa Clara VTA General Manager/CEO Carolyn Gonot.
