Service & Solidarity Spotlight: ATU Bus Drivers Get Big Raises in New Island Transit Contract

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1576 bus drivers and dispatchers who work for Island Transit in Washington state secured a large wage hike under a new three-year agreement between the union and the agency.

Under the contract, workers will receive a 17% wage adjustment, plus a 3% cost of living increase. They will get another 3% cost of living increase next year and then another 3% the year after that. With the raises, the starting wage for transit operators is now at $27.70 and the individual would earn $37.78 an hour after eight years on the job. The starting wage for a dispatcher is $29.35 and the hourly wage after eight years is $39.79. The new salaries are more in line with similar agencies in the region.

ATU celebrated the deal on social media, calling it “a big contract win for our Local 1576 Island Transit members.”

Kenneth Quinnell Mon, 11/24/2025 - 09:51

Service & Solidarity Spotlight: IAM Union Local 2789 Members Ratify Strong New Contract at John Deere in Georgia

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

IAM Union Local 2789 members at John Deere’s facility in Augusta, Georgia, voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining agreement that the union said is the strongest contract the workers have seen in more than 20 years.

“We kept the focus where it needed to be—on getting our members the contract they deserve,” said IAM District 243 Business Representative Cal Nachimson.

The new agreement delivers the following wins: annual general wage increases of 4%, 3%, 2% and 2%; the end of lump-sum wage years; all paid time off now paid at full hourly rate, replacing a costly percentage formula; two new personal vacation days functioning as sick leave; a $3,000 ratification bonus; increases to shift differential, Health Savings Account contributions, 401(k) match and a safety shoe allowance; no insurance premium increases over the life of the contract; Veterans Day added as a paid holiday; improvements to work schedules and production incentives; and the addition of Machinists Custom Choices supplemental insurance.

“This agreement shows what workers can achieve when they stand together,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “Taking the time and effort to fix long-time issues with improvements like this is something to be very proud of. This contract reflects the true value of their labor.”

Kenneth Quinnell Fri, 11/21/2025 - 10:15