On Friday, Feb. 7, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 627 membership voted to approve a labor contract with Metro, effective Feb. 1, 2014 through Oct. 31, 2015. The current contract expired at midnight on Jan. 31, 2014. CINCINNATI — On Friday, Feb. 7, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 627 membership voted to approve a labor contract with Metro, effective Feb. 1, 2014 through Oct. 31, 2015. The current contract expired at midnight on Jan. 31, 2014. The new contract also has been approved by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority board of trustees. Approximately 660 Metro bus drivers, mechanics, and operations support employees are covered by this new contract, which establishes wages, benefits and work rules. Major terms of the contract include: Wages: 3% wage increase, effective March 2, 2014 1% wage increase, effective March 29, 2015 Medical insurance: PPO plan with United Healthcare (deductible: $700 individual/$1,400 family) Employees pay 12% of premium costs in 2014 Biometric screening added to the wellness program Balancing costs with employees’ needs was the key to forging this mutually beneficial contract, according to Metro CEO & General Manager Terry Garcia Crews. “Our mutual goal was to provide a fair, competitive and fiscally responsible package for our bargaining unit employees.” “Stability is important, and this is a fair contract for our members,” said Troy Miller, President of ATU Local 627. “Our members serve the community well every day and deserve fair wages and benefits.” Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 17 million rides per year in the Greater Cincinnati area. # # # Media note: ATU Local 627 President Troy Miller, 513-721-2133 (cell).

View Original Source (go-metro.com) Here.

On Friday, Feb. 7, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 627 membership voted to approve a labor contract with Metro, effective Feb. 1, 2014 through Oct. 31, 2015. The current contract expired at midnight on Jan. 31, 2014. CINCINNATI — On Friday, Feb. 7, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 627 membership voted to approve a labor contract with Metro, effective Feb. 1, 2014 through Oct. 31, 2015. The current contract expired at midnight on Jan. 31, 2014. The new contract also has been approved by the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority board of trustees. Approximately 660 Metro bus drivers, mechanics, and operations support employees are covered by this new contract, which establishes wages, benefits and work rules. Major terms of the contract include: Wages: 3% wage increase, effective March 2, 2014 1% wage increase, effective March 29, 2015 Medical insurance: PPO plan with United Healthcare (deductible: $700 individual/$1,400 family) Employees pay 12% of premium costs in 2014 Biometric screening added to the wellness program Balancing costs with employees’ needs was the key to forging this mutually beneficial contract, according to Metro CEO & General Manager Terry Garcia Crews. “Our mutual goal was to provide a fair, competitive and fiscally responsible package for our bargaining unit employees.” “Stability is important, and this is a fair contract for our members,” said Troy Miller, President of ATU Local 627. “Our members serve the community well every day and deserve fair wages and benefits.” Metro is a non-profit, tax-funded public service of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, providing about 17 million rides per year in the Greater Cincinnati area. # # # Media note: ATU Local 627 President Troy Miller, 513-721-2133 (cell).

View Original Source (go-metro.com) Here.