Island Transit Bargaining Update – October 21, 2025

Dear ATU Members,

It’s my honor to share that after months of hard work and preparation, your ATU bargaining team has reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) for a new three-year contract at Island Transit!

This agreement reflects the dedication and determination of every member who stood together through the process. We secured significant language improvements, and a strong, well-deserved wage increase that includes both a substantial market adjustment and a cost-of-living increase.

Highlights of the Tentative Agreement:

    •    Bereavement Leave: Increased from 3 days to 5 days

    •    Longevity Pay (NEW Tier Added):

    •    5 years – $0.25 (new tier)

    •    10 years – $0.75

    •    15 years – $1.25

    •    20 years – $1.75

    •    Four bids per year

    •    New language for Dispatch Bids

    •    Prep time increased to 20 minutes

    •    Higher dollar amounts for accident judgments

    •    LMRC compensation expanded to cover up to 3 union representatives, including travel between bases

Wages

    •    Year One: 20%

    •    Year Two: 3%

    •    Year Three: 3%

These raises are compounded, resulting in a total net increase of 27.3% over the life of the contract!

Members still in wage progression will see even greater gains, as they move up the wage scale along with the yearly increases. For members at top scale, the enhanced longevity pay adds even more value to your compensation.

What’s Next

There’s still a bit more work ahead before everything is finalized:

    •    Special Membership Meeting – Your Bargaining Committee will present the full contract and answer questions (members only) on October 30, 2025, at both the Whidbey and Camano bases. Times and locations will be announced soon.

    •    Contract Ratification Vote – November 4, 2025, at both bases (members only). Exact times and locations will be published soon.

Please join me in extending heartfelt thanks to your Bargaining Committee – Traynor Hunt, Susan Lien, and Jim McNaughton – for their dedication, professionalism, and persistence throughout this process. Your International Vice President, Michael Cornelius, also provided invaluable guidance and support. 

And most of all — thank you to our members. Everyone who signed up, showed up, and stood strong played a vital role in achieving this agreement. You are the heart of this union, and this win belongs to you.

Our Strength is in Unity,

Dani Julien, President, ATU Local 1576

Lela Perkins, Vice President, ATU Local 1576