ATU reaches series of agreements with Pittsburgh Regional Transit, TARC and GO Transit
Three local branches of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) reached agreements at two transit agencies in the U.S. and one in Canada.
GO Transit – ATU Local 1587
Metrolinx and ATU Local 1587 reached a tentative contract agreement in mid-November that ended a strike impacting GO Transit bus service between Nov. 6 – Nov. 11. GO Bus service resumed Saturday, Nov. 12.
The use of contractors was a point of contention for labor leaders, and ATU says the new contract ensures “includes critical language that would protect GO Transit jobs from being contracted out.”
ATU Local 1587 represents GO Transit bus drivers, GO station attendants, maintenance personnel, transit safety and some office staff.
TARC – ATU Local 1447
In Louisville, Ky., Transit Authority of River City (TARC) and ATU Local 1447 reached a tentative agreement that will provide equal wage increases for all workers, additional safety protections and create an apprenticeship program in the maintenance department.
ATU Local 1447 membership will take a ratification vote of the agreement after Thanksgiving, which is Nov. 24. The TARC Board of Directors will also vote to ratify the agreement.
PRT – ATU Local 85
The Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT) Board approved a four-year Collective Bargaining Agreement with ATU Local 85, which covers PRT drivers, mechanics and other laborers. Union members ratified the agreement on Nov. 13.
The previous agreement expired June 30, 2022, and the new agreement includes wage increases, pandemic bonuses and changes to work and discipline rules. The agreement also reduces the number of schedule adjustments each year, providing transit planners more time to analyze ridership trends, so they can make more informed scheduling decisions.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
