After months of negotiation, The Rapid’s Board of Directors has reached a collective bargaining agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 836, representing Grand Rapids transit workers, that includes paid time off and wage increases.
“This new agreement reflects our shared commitment to creating a better workplace for all. It is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together with respect and understanding,” said Melvin Turnbo, president of ATU Local 836.
The previous agreement expired on June 9. A tentative agreement was reached on Aug. 1, and was unanimously agreed upon during an open session of the Rapid Board of Directors meeting on Aug. 28. The decision was met with loud applause from attendees.
The new agreement features substantial wage increases and additional work-life benefits for the workforce, according to a press release from The Rapid.
The three-year contract offers a $3-per-hour increase for bus operators in the first year, followed by 4% increases in the second and third years. Maintenance and facilities technicians will receive a 6% wage increase in the first year, with a 4% increase in the following years. Enhanced wage premiums have been added for operator trainers and the night maintenance shift, along with new shift premiums for bus operators working nights and weekends.
Additional benefits include a floating holiday, promotional opportunities for technicians based on years of service and performance and time accruals for part-time employees and trainees. The agreement also extends probationary periods for bus operators and updates the no-fault attendance policy. All active ATU members will receive a $250 ratification bonus after board approval.
The agreement will be valid through Aug. 28, 2027.
In July, the union rejected a previous contract proposed by the metro Grand Rapids bus service. A news release published by the ATU at the time of rejection stated that The Rapid’s contract offered “inadequate wages, restrictions on using paid time off, limited access to the public agency’s property for union members and many other damning proposals.”
Turnbo and the ATU Local 836 have long advocated for Grand Rapids transit workers’ rights. In January 2023, dozens of union members picketed outside Central Station in downtown Grand Rapids in an attempt to bring about negotiation talks.
"We deserve it; we're out here moving this city from morning to night. We're here. We deserve this opportunity to increase our wages as well," Turnbo said during the January 2023 protest.
Citing a worker shortage and a lack of available bus drivers, The Rapid announced changes to bus routes and reduced run times in December 2023.
Gary Carey, the chair of the Rapid Board and mayor of Walker, recognized Turnbo at the Aug. 28 meeting, thanking him for representing the people of ATU Local 836.
“This could be one of the most exciting meetings we have all year,” said Deb Prato, CEO of The Rapid. “We get to present and approve, hopefully, our operating budget, our capital budget for our investments and our investment in our people.”
Prato thanked the public commenters and ATU Local 836, stating, “It’s my pleasure to have reached an agreement with the ATU,” Prato said.
The Rapid board represents all six municipalities in The Rapid service area, including Grand Rapids, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker and Wyoming.
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