The city of Augusta's transit workers will get better pay and benefits, stronger job protections and a $1,000 bonus after months of negotiations with their employer.
The new three-year contract with MV Transportation headed off a strike that local members of Transport Workers Union of America Local 527 voted to authorize in July.
"I'm proud that we were able to win a contract that is significantly better than management's initial proposals," Local 527 President Benyoel T. Morgan said in a statement Monday. "We were able to work through issues and secure wins on wages, benefits, attendance policies, safety policies, vacation and staffing concerns."
MV has operated
public bus services for Augusta Transit under a three-year contract since January.
Union negotiators previously proposed a starting pay rate of $21.70 an hour for Augusta Transit. MV's counteroffer was $17.76.
Under the new contract, transit workers now start at $20 an hour. Most workers will get raises averaging about 13% this year. Some workers' raises could increase by as much as 30% over the length of the contract.
Members of the union's negotiating team will also receive a $1,000 bonus for helping ratify the new deal.
Also, MV will foot the bill for a larger share of workers' medical, dental and vision insurance. Workers now will get 12 sick days each year, with a promise from MV that it will respond more quickly to time-off requests.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Augusta transit workers secure raises, bonus and stronger protections
