Capital Metro announced that members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) will consider an agreement next week that would significantly increase the hourly wage for bus operators and mechanics.

Since the beginning of August 2021, CapMetro said it  has been actively  recruiting  to hire more than 100 bus operators and mechanics to add to its workforce.

ATU Local 1091, which represents  Capital Metro bus operators and mechanics, has now reached a tentative labor agreement with CapMetro’s service contractor, MV Transportation, that would increase  wages for these staff members.

“Our staff has been on the frontlines of the pandemic for the last two years, so this is not only a great way to support our workforce but also to ensure that we are providing equitable, competitive wages and benefits to such dedicated public servants,” said Deputy CEO Dottie Watkins. “I was once a bus  operator myself, so I know how important it is to take care of those who make it possible for us to serve customers.”

Bus operators  are expected to  start at a wage of $22 per hour and mechanics would earn at least $31 per hour. Based on annual salary assumptions, bus operators could earn between $54,000-$76,000 per year, and mechanics could earn between $71,000 to $84,000 as they continue their careers at CapMetro.

These new wages represent an increase of up to 30% for operators and up to 13% for mechanics compared to their current wage. All  new  staff  would  be offered full benefits, including medical, dental, vision, a 401(k)-retirement plan, and more.

To support the effort to continuously improve service to customers, the agreement calls for cash incentives to both operators and mechanics based on  performance  goals, with an emphasis on safety and attendance.  The wage structure also rewards and incentivizes retention through increasing  the  staff’s  hourly rate the  longer they serve. 

Members of the ATU are expected to vote on approval of the labor agreement next week. The new labor agreement would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2022.

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