– Metro St. Louis transit workers secure a three-year contract
– Workers will get a 3% raise each year for the next two years
– Allocation of higher pay made for busier bus routes and later shifts
– Metro grants a $7,000 ratification bonus, which can be directed towards the 401(k) retirement plan
Metro St. Louis Workers Land a Sizeable Pay Bump
After several negotiations, transit workers based in Metro St. Louis have successfully entered a three-year labor agreement offering a considerable pay raise. This new deal encompasses a 3% raise allocated for each year for the ensuing two years, which is a well-deserved victory for these workers who play a key role in providing essential public transportation services.
Bonus and Pay Increase for Bus Drivers
In recognition of the more demanding and less popular shifts, Metro St. Louis has addressed the wage gap for those handling later or busier bus routes. An noticable increase in pay is a considerable part of the new deal, which will give these workers a bigger incentive for taking such shifts.
Beyond this, Metro has conceded a $7,000 ratification bonus in recognition of the team’s hard work and dedication. This bonus is not merely a monetary reward, but it also holds long-term benefits- a part of it, or even all, can be directed by the workers into a 401(k) retirement plan set up by Metro.
The Breezy Take
This new three-year contract signed by Metro St. Louis transit workers is an indication of positive changes within the local workforce. The pay increase, the attention given to shifts that are busier or later, and the significant ratification bonus presented with the option for long-term investment, all indicate a step towards respecting worker rights and strengthening workforce morale. It is a sign that influential businesses in Missouri like Metro St. Louis are recognizing the importance of key players who are often overlooked, in this case, our indispensable transit workers.
Original article: https://news.stlpublicradio.org/economy-business/2023-08-11/st-louis-regional-transit-agency-oks-new-contract-with-bus-drivers-train-operators
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