OCTA and its bus drivers approve contract, formally stopping strike – Orange County Register

A new contract has been approved by bus drivers and the Orange County Transit Authority board of directors, ending the possibility of a strike between the agency’s vehicle operators, who have threatened to quit if the groups failed to come to an agreement.

Teamsters 952 members, which represent about 600 OCTA drivers, approved the new collective bargaining agreement in days of voting that runs through Monday – more than 90% of drivers approved the contract, one representative said. union representative said. The OCTA Board of Directors on Tuesday morning also approved the contract in a special meeting.

Board Chairman Mark Murphy, who is also the mayor of Orange, said in a statement board members are “excited” about the agreement to “reward those who run our outstanding coaches.” us for the essential work they do, while remaining accountable to Orange County taxpayers.

“Most importantly, this agreement means that OC Bus service will continue to run for passengers who trust us to work, to school and elsewhere throughout Orange County,” he said.

The OCTA and its coach executives negotiated for about a year when union members voted to allow a strike in January if they could not reach an agreement soon. The problems they face are with the drivers’ pay and breaks.

The drivers planned to strike as soon as February 15, but the groups reached a tentative agreement after one night negotiation session.

The new contract, OCTA officials said, includes an increase of 4% immediately upon approval, along with another 5% increase in the second and third years. According to the agency, a $2,000 bonus to drivers is also included, as well as a guaranteed break time.

The currently approved contract will be effective immediately and expire in April 2024.