Pitt. Port Authority drivers approve contract

Pittsburgh’s Port Authority of Allegheny County drivers ratified a new collective bargaining agreement on Monday.

The collective bargaining agreement, which was tentatively agreed to by Port Authority representatives and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 85 leadership in November, accomplishes Port Authority’s primary bargaining goal of reining in healthcare and post-retirement benefits cost, while settling on a contract that is fair to transit riders, taxpayers and employees.

Changes in contract provisions relative to the provision of healthcare, pensions and post-retirement healthcare benefits will reduce Port Authority’s legacy obligation costs by approximately $92.8 million over the four-year life of the contract.

“This contract is historic in that it takes unprecedented steps toward reducing Port Authority’s legacy costs, while at the same time maintaining a competitive wage and benefits package for Authority employees,” said Steve Bland, the Port Authority’s CEO.

The Port Authority board of directors is scheduled to vote on the tentative agreement Dec. 15.