ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – The majority of union-represented drivers and mechanics at TCAT vote to ratify a two-year labor pact.

The staff voted 43-25 in favor of a contract that has multi-tiered pay increases that will better compensate current and longtime employees, and potentially attract new workers. Sixty-nine of the eighty-three union eligible members cast a vote during sessions held Monday and Tuesday.

“Our drivers and maintenance crew are the heart of our organization,” said TCAT GM Scot Vanderpool. “They have proven time and time again, especially during the pandemic, how dedicated they are to our riders. As for any other not-for-profit, publicly funded agency we have limited resources, but it is essential that we make every effort to ensure that all of our employees are adequately compensated.”

The agreement comes after several months of negotiations between the transit agency and UAW Local 2300, which started before the previous contract expired on June 30 last year. It now heads to the TCAT Board of Directors for formal adoption, which is expected to be approved at an upcoming meeting.

“We are pleased to have reached an agreement,” said Vanderpool. “It was great to have the ability to work together on various contractual articles and reach an end result that was gratifying to both parties.”

A summary of wage increases, and other benefits can be found below. The contract also provides a $750 one-time bonus to all union employees to be paid out in the next pay period this month.

WAGES

Hourly wages are $22.79 for new drivers and $25.88 for new mechanics during training. Upon completion of training, they rise to $23.67 and $26.75, respectively.

Increases retroactive to January 1st, 2023

-3.25% after one year of service – $24.44/hour for drivers $27.62/hour for mechanics

-10.5% for 3-9 years of service – $26.16/hour for drivers $29.56/hour for mechanics

– 14% for 10+ years of service – $26.98/hour for drivers $30.50/hour for mechanics

Further increases effective January 1st, 2024

– 2% increase for year or less of service

-5% increase for 1-2 years of service

-5.5% increase for 3-9 years of service

-6% increase for 10+ years of service

OTHER NEW BENEFITS

-Drivers and mechanics will receive higher reimbursement for protective shoes and equipment/tools required for job.

-Juneteenth (June 19) is considered a TCAT-observed holiday. Like Labor Day, TCAT will operate on reduced service and those who work will be eligible for extra pay or compensatory time off.