Contract Ratification Update – Island Transit

November 7, 2025

Today, we are pleased to announce that the Island Transit Board of Directors overwhelmingly voted to approve our new collective bargaining agreement.

This contract includes a 20% wage increase in year one, followed by 3% in year two and 3% in year three, compounded to 27.6% total increase over the life of the contract.

For members still in the wage progression, the increases will be even greater—in some cases, well over 40%. We also secured significant improvements in training and premium pay, longevity, and split shift pay.

Island Transit and the payroll team have let us know that your increases will be applied and that you will be paid retroactively back to contract expiration on the next pay date, November 15.

Solidarity made this happen. Today’s board meeting was standing-room only—members packed the room, united in support of this agreement. Your presence spoke volumes.

With the strong support and participation of Vice President Lela Perkins and Executive Board Officers Trainer Hunt, Susan Lien, and Shop Steward Jim McNaughton, we put forward a strong, well-prepared proposal—and together, we’ve achieved living wages for all Island Transit members.

We’re also celebrating our second 100% ratification vote this term—an outstanding achievement that reflects the unity and determination of this Local. Because of your solidarity, your success is setting the standard—your brothers and sisters at other ATU locals are already using your gains as comparables in their own negotiations.

This is what collective strength looks like, and I am incredibly proud to represent you all.

In Solidarity,

Dani Julien, President

ATU Local 1576