Working people across the United States have stepped up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we'll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.
Detroit bus drivers, members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 26, secured increased pay, stronger bonuses and better safety in their new contract. The drivers will immediately receive a $3 per hour wage increase. Starting pay for new drivers is now $19.15 per hour. The maximum pay for those who have worked for at least four years increases from the current cap of $22.61 to $25.61 per hour. The attendance bonus available to drivers will increase from $1,000 to $1,500.
"This is a great day for [the Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT)]. I drove for DDOT for 34 years and know how important this wage increase is for our drivers," added Local 26 President Schetrone Collier. "But this is just as much for the public as it is our drivers. This increase will help us hire and retain more drivers, so the public can know when they are at a stop and need to get to work or the doctor, DDOT is going to show up when we are supposed to. That's everyone's goal."