In near-daily contract negotiations, including weekends, Local 8751’s Committee & USW Staff Rep have fought back Transdev’s union-busting concessions and brought Mayor Wu’s administration to realize that the Union’s demands for “Contract Justice” must be met.
The Transdev/City offer now stands at $1.00 (3.75%) retro to July 1, 2021, and 2% each for years 2 and 3. This is substantial, but not good enough for us essential, frontline workers who have sacrificed too many lives and too much financial loss throughout the pandemic. 4%, 3% 3% is the Union’s minimum cost-of-living postion.
Local 8751 power has won weekly COVID-19 & Flu Vaccinations and Testing at every yard worksite, unique at BPS and nationally. Mayor Wu’s administration has just agreed to a high-level meeting, including Dept. of Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, about the COVID-19 emergency at the yards. We Demand improved COVID-19 protocols and driver accommodations, Our Human Rights! Dozens of drivers are out COVID-19 positive today, punctuating the Union’s position that BPS should be remote during this awful surge
We Demand more than 15 of our senior veteran drivers be allowed to retire with benefits, Now!. The Union’s demand at the table is 30 this year, 40 retirees more in years 2 and 3. We Demand more employer contribution to all of our only retirement savings, at least 4% in year 2!
Our members deserve the dignity and respect of the City’s promised Delta Dental plan (Cigna’s inferior service is an insult to our families), and a 35 hour minimum guarantee just to survive in greater Boston.
We demand Transdev and BPS initiate an Emergency New Hire program with paid training to alleviate the extreme driver shortage. There is no shortage of Monitors and young community workers who would like to drive a bus; there is a gross shortage of pay, benefits, training, health & safety, and respect!
The Steelworkers and Local 8751’s fighting Committee have told Transdev/City negotiators that our Jan. 20th Membership Meeting will be either a Contract Ratification Vote or a Strike Vote. No more fruitless extensions. We have been struggling and working overtime long enough without Contract Justice.
Due to the raging pandemic, Local 8751 is prepared to conduct the membership meeting via secure Zoom, if necessary. Watch your Union texts. If you are not receiving texts from the Union, text your full name to Steve Gillis at 617-733-2950. Solidarity Forever!