TriMet Board approves new labor contract aimed at keeping transit moving

New four-year Working and Wage Agreement gives union employees a more than 13% wage hike and adds other benefits aimed at increasing retention and drawing new employees to TriMet to support service and customer experience improvements

TriMet's new Working and Wage Agreement with union employees represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757 takes effect Dec. 1, 2024. This after the TriMet Board of Directors approved the new contract at its business meeting on Sept. 25. TriMet's ATU Local 757 members ratified the new agreement in August. The ATU represents the vast majority of TriMet employees - more than 2,700 people, including bus and MAX operators, dispatchers, mechanics, maintenance service workers and others.

TriMet and ATU leadership negotiated a four-year term for the new contract, instead of the usual three, to provide greater stability for everyone involved. That includes riders, as well as people who may be considering a career with TriMet.

The agreement boosts union employees' wages by 4% in December 2024, followed by a 3% increase each year after that. That comes out to a 13.64% wage increase over four years. Hourly pay will also increase for maintenance shifts between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

TriMet will also increase the employer contribution to union employees' 401(a) retirement plan by 1% now and another 1% in the final year of the contract. This will bring TriMet's contribution for union employees to 10%.

The agreement includes several other benefits for new and existing TriMet union employees, including:

• A new tuition reimbursement of up to $5,250 per year, intended to support employees who are taking higher and continuing education courses.
• A new child care subsidy of up to $150 per month, helping to allay the increased cost of child care.
• Two additional floating holidays, plus more vacation time for employees who have spent at least 15 years with TriMet.

Under the agreement, TriMet will also rework some schedules and add new cleaning positions. Riders will see the benefits! These changes should mean more regular cleaning at TriMet facilities and fewer canceled trips.

Reaching a negotiated four-year agreement with the ATU Local 757 supports TriMet's efforts to attract and retain employees in key positions, including operators, maintenance and other union staff.

Filling these jobs is vital to our plans, as we look to further increase service, bolster safety and security, and improve the cleanliness and reliability of our system. That means a better experience for riders - including those who rely on transit to access services and opportunities, including jobs, schools and health care.

TriMet is currently offering a $7,500 hiring bonus for new operators and a $2,500 hiring bonus for several other positions, including diesel mechanics and maintainers. Visit trimet.org/careers to learn more and apply.

The Working and Wage Agreement applies to current and future union employees. Some provisions depend on seniority, rewarding longtime employees with additional benefits.

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