CTTransit union worker contract raises wages 7%

An arbitrator has established the terms of a new contract for about 700 drivers and maintenance employees in the Hartford, New Haven and Stamford (Conn.) divisions of CTTransit, which operates local and express bus services. Under the new contract, the top operator rate will increase 7% from $18.99 to $20.33 in a series of general wage increases and COLA payments. The two-year award is retroactive to April 1, 2001, when the former contract expired. The award also provides an increase in the pension plan multiplier, effective Jan. 1, 2003.