Detroit’s Department of Transportation bus operators could see their starting pay rise from $19.56 to $25.38 per hour if a newly negotiated contract is approved, bringing wages closer to SMART’s $25.87 starting rate. Over 500 members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26 voted 98% in favor of raising both the floor and cap wage scales to help retain drivers, according to the City of Detroit.
"Over the past 12 years, we have steadily increased the amount DDOT drivers are paid but continue to lose a lot of our drivers to SMART because it traditionally has paid more," said Mayor Mike Duggan. "With this new contract, for the first time, bus drivers can take home more if they work for DDOT and meet their performance marks," which include attendance and safety incentives, as reported by the City of Detroit.
DDOT drivers in Detroit will receive a wage increase and performance incentives to reduce turnover and improve transit service. Under the contract, drivers will get annual cost-of-living increases starting July 1. "The passing of the ATU Local 26's new contract represents progress not only for our members, but for the entire community that depends on safe, reliable and efficient transportation," ATU President Schetrone Collier said. Funding comes from a transportation funding bill approved by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and is expected to lower training costs by keeping more employees. "This new contract represents a continued investment by the Mayor and City Council reflective of their essential role and supporting rewarding and sustaining careers," Executive Transit Director Robert Cramer said. The Detroit City Council is expected to decide before the end of the year, and the new pay scale will take effect immediately if approved, as stated by the City of Detroit.
