Portland Transit Workers (ATU 714) Win Double Digit Wage Increases

Portland Metro Bus Operators, maintenance, and mechanics with the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 714 voted 37-9 to ratify a new one-year contract extension this week that includes substantial wage increases, pending approval by the Greater Portland Transit District Board of Directors on August 25. 

The current contract doesn’t end until December 31st of this year, but in order to attract more applicants for the job, union leaders say the company started negotiations early so it could adjust starting wages for new hires. 

“To hire and retain operators and mechanics you have to offer a package at the top in your industry. That means paying good wages and offering good benefits,” said ATU 714 President and Business Agent, Joe Thomas. “This is more than a fair deal. It’s above regional industry standards and it’s a big win.” 

Under the new agreement:

• Starting on September 1st, wages will increase for new hires from $20.84 to $25.27 (21.2 percent increase); step 2 employees will receive a nearly 21 percent pay raise of $4 per hour & step 3 workers will also get a 17 percent raise of $4 per hour raise. The top rate for bus operators will be $29.73 and the rate will increase to $30.62 on Jan. 1st.

• All METRO Local 714 members will receive a 3 percent raise on Jan. 1st. 

• Mechanics, Maintenance, and technicians will receive a 5-8 percent wage increase depending on their job classifications on Sept 1st. Wages are currently $24.96 - $37.02 per hour and will increase on Jan 1 2023 ranging from $25.71-$38.13 per hour.

• All Metro Union Employees will receive a $2800 one time Inflationary relief payment in November of this year. 

Thomas says METRO is currently hiring and is looking to expand service in the future, so there will be even more opportunities for good union transit jobs in Southern Maine.