The City of Madison ratified a new contract with Metro Transit bus drivers Tuesday after almost a full year of negotiations.
The city said the highlights of the contract include a 3% per year pay increase with a stipend adjusted for inflation, closer work between the union and city government, more vacation days, providing employees with personal protective equipment and ensuring safe working conditions for all Metro Transit workers in a press release.
The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, adopted in September 2024, includes bus-only lanes, articulated and more accessible buses and bus-specific traffic lights to shorten commute times, but has proven draining and unsafe for Madison bus drivers represented by Teamsters Local 120, which advocates for laborers throughout the Midwest.
Since the last contract expired at the end of 2024, Local 120 representatives attempted to reach an agreement with the city to increase pay and vacation, make federally sanctioned checks and repairs faster, avoid understaffing and ensure health and safety are prioritized for all Metro Transit workers.
Madison bus drivers’ jobs often entail early and long hours, risky routes made more dangerous by difficult topography in 15-ton buses, low wages and unpaid hours during the day stretched out by understaffing.
During negotiations with city officials in February, drivers participated in a “sick-out,” reducing the service of the entire transit system by 12%.
Drivers were notified in advance that this sick-out was illegal under state statutes 111.70(3)(b) and would require a whole new contract, according to WKOW. The union carried it out anyway.
Six months after the sick-out, the Madison Common Council brought up the contract for its formal adoption by the city.
“We are grateful to our members for their determination and patience throughout this long fight,” said Tom Erickson, President of Local 120, in an official statement.
Metro Transit and Teamsters Local 120 were unavailable for comment.
