Island Transit Bargaining Update Oct 17 2025

Your ATU Bargaining Team met with Island Transit today to continue negotiations.

Wages: As we shared last session, we gave Island Transit a complete proposal back in July, including our protected position on wages. Island had agreed to respond with their own full proposal by August 13, but instead, discussions have continued around “What If” wage ideas — which are not binding if we end up in arbitration.

Today, Island Transit presented their protected position on wages:

    •    Year 1: 8% (3% COLA + 5% market)

    •    Year 2: 2% COLA

    •    Year 3: 2% COLA

Clearly, this offer is unacceptable, and falls far short of where our members need to be. Your bargaining team is standing firm: the people who keep Island County moving deserve real, competitive wages that reflect your hard work and dedication.

We are now bargaining from the “What If” proposals we have been presented previously- which are higher than Island Transit’s protected position wages. If this path fails, we go back to protected position bargaining which has the potential to slow down progress and delay getting a deal. 

We know this process takes patience, but progress is being made. Every conversation, every bit of solidarity from you strengthens our position at the table. Stay strong, stay connected, and know this — your ATU team is in it all the way until we bring home the fair contract you’ve earned.

In solidarity,

Your ATU Bargaining Team