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.

Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 627 ratified a new three-year contract. The contract covers Cincinnati Metro's dedicated fixed-route union staff, which includes bus operators, maintenance workers and associated support staff. It includes increased wages of 13% over three years, improvements to operator work schedules, improved vacation for employees, a new partnership with the ATU on Cincinnati Metro’s Joint Maintenance Training Committee and other benefits.

"We are proud to have reached this agreement, which will not only benefit hardworking employees, but also contribute to the overall success of [Cincinnati] Metro," said Frank Harper, president of Local 627. "This contract recognizes the importance of our union members and the vital role they play in serving the community." 

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.

Members of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) ratified a new contract with the Optimum brand of Altice USA. The new contract was secured after the workers voted to authorize a strike in May. That strike didn't happen, and the new three-year contract covers workers throughout West Virginia. The workers secured raises of 7.69% over the life of the contract.

“I’m really proud of what we were able to negotiate to make Optimum a better place to work,” said Patrick Adkins, a member of the CWA bargaining committee. “When we fought for our first union contract, we were able to win job security and important rights at work, like our first grievance procedure. Because of the foundation we built in our first union contract, we were able to really focus on improving the standard of living for our families with the wage increases we’ve earned.”