The City of Moncton and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1290 came to a collective agreement for Codiac Transpo bus operators, mechanics and service personnel.
The 5-year pact is retroactive starting September 1, 2019 and will see the 93 affected employees earn an annual average wage increase of 1.61%.
A new deal is long overdue after the previous agreement ended in August 2019, however with the effects of the pandemic, negotiations only began in December 2020.
In addition to wage increases, changes were made to the language requirements and hikes were given to annual tool allowances as well as shift premiums. This agreement will last until December 31,2024.
“This agreement offers stability to our members and allow us to continue to provide an important service in our community,” says ATU Local 1290 President, Alan McGrath.
Public transportation was deemed an essential service when the pandemic began, and Mayor Dawn Arnold made note of it.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Codiac Transpo employees remained committed to ensuring that our residents could get to their destinations safely,” she said.