The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority Board of Directors approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the agency’s largest employee union, The Amalgamated Transit Union, ATU Local 265, that includes a one-time $3,500 Appreciation Pay for all ATU members.

The Board approved the agreement at the monthly VTA Board meeting January 6, 2022, after ATU membership overwhelmingly ratified the contract in a vote taken Wednesday.

The contract provides a pay increase of 2% the first year, 4% the second year, and 4% the third year. The agreement was reached months ahead of the current contract expiration date (September 2022), to create further stability for employees after an incredibly tough year. 

“We are heartened to reach such an expedient agreement with our largest union as our workforce continues to heal from an especially arduous year that included not only the protracted pandemic, but a crippling cyberattack, and the horrific shooting attack at our Guadalupe Light Rail Yard,” said VTA General Manager/CEO Carolyn Gonot.

“ATU applauds VTA General Manager Carolyn Gonot for prioritizing our request to commit to a new contract,” said John Courtney, ATU Local 265 President and Business Agent. “With a new agreement in place, we are optimistic both parties can work towards positive substantive changes to the culture at VTA.” 

The new contract goes into effect March 7, 2022.