Transit workers ratify six-year contract with Akron Metro

AKRON, Ohio (WOIO) - Akron transit workers ratified a six-year contract with Akron Metro Friday, according to the Transport Workers Union (TWU).

In a release shared by TWU, nearly 85% of votes were cast in support of the ratification of the contract, which includes a 21% compounded wage increase over the life of the agreement, retroactive pay and a signing bonus.

According to a further breakdown of the new contract by the union, the new contract includes the following:

• $8,300 in retroactive pay per member, on average, not including overtime
• $2,000 signing bonus
• $2,000 annual attendance bonus, up from $1,000
• Annual raises of 3%, 3%, 3.5%, 3.5%, 3% and 3%

TWU said a bus operator making $66,500 today will now make $80,200 by the end of this new contract in May 2030.

“This is a major victory for the hard-working men and women who provide vital bus service to Akron and the surrounding communities,” TWU International Administrative Vice President Curtis Tate said. “The terms of this contract are light years better than what the fact finder recommended and what Akron Metro was looking to impose, including two years without raises. We rejected that 100% and stood our ground.”

“I’m proud of my members,” TWU Local 1 President Wayne Cole said. “They leafleted riders, held rallies, spoke out at Metro Board meetings – and were ready to strike. Once management realized workers were organized and ready to take strike action, they buckled.”

The union said that the agreement comes after workers authorized leadership to call a strike.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Akron bus drivers and transit workers overwhelmingly reject contract proposal

The agreement comes after workers previously voted 294 to 2 to reject a three-year contract proposal back in June, according to the union.