MILWAUKEE — Unionized transit workers and the Milwaukee County Transit System agreed to a new three-year contract on Friday after months of negotiations.
The collective bargaining agreement includes competitive wage increases, improved safety provisions and continued affordable health care.
“On behalf of all Milwaukee County residents, I commend the Milwaukee County Transit System and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 for reaching a fair agreement that will meet the needs of working families in our community,” Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley said.
ATU Local 998 said 72% of its roughly 800 members voted in favor of the deal. Wages for unionized bus drivers and operators will increase by 2.5% for the first year of the deal, and by 3 and 4% in years two and three, respectively, according to union president Bruce Freeman.
In a concession from the union, healthcare premiums for members will go up 1%, and out-of-pocket expenses will also increase an unknown amount.
As part of the deal, Freeman told WTMJ ATU leadership will have more say in what priorities new transit security personnel will tackle.
“Enforcing [fares] is a big thing now…we want to get teams and target the routes that have the most problems regarding unruly passengers and fare evasions,” said Freeman. The union’s call for increased security in its negotiations ramped up after a 72-year-old bus driver was assaulted on the job in July.
Passengers skipping bus fares has been an issue aboard MCTS buses for years, but received renewed attention following reports that 2024 fare evasion reduced MCTS revenues by approximately $4 million, with a system-wide evasion rate of 33% estimated according to a report from August 14. That figure jumps to around 43 percent of rides on the CONNECT1 Bus Rapid Transit line as of last May, according to the report.
READ MORE: MCTS shares progress on budget deficit, addresses fare evasion plans
The contract agreement comes as MCTS grapples with a budget deficit of over $9 million.
“As we continue aligning our services with our budget, strong partnerships like this will be key to streamlining operations, attracting and retaining top talent, and ensuring a sustainable future for public transit in Milwaukee County,” MCTS President and CEO Steve Fuentes said.
MCTS said the contract will keep service running for 20 million annual riders through March 31, 2028.
