TARC Board of Directors approves essential pay for employees

October 26, 2021

 TARC employees will receive essential pay for their service during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1447, which represents TARC’s transportation and maintenance employees, presented a formal request for essential pay in August 2021. TARC’s executive team negotiated in good faith to offer a package that was accepted by the ATU on Oct. 19 and approved by the Board of Directors at its regularly scheduled meeting today. 

All union employees who worked more than 1,500 hours between March 1, 2020 and March 1, 2021 will receive $3,000. All union employees who worked fewer than 1,500 hours between March 1, 2020 and March 1, 2021 will receive $1,500. Union employees who were hired between March 1, 2021 and Oct. 1, 2021 will receive $500. 

All non-union staff employed by TARC before Oct. 1, 2021 will receive $500. 

The ATU and TARC will partner to continue seeking additional COVID-19 relief funding opportunities that can be accessed for premium pay. Any additional funds received will remain separate for discussion from the renegotiation of the existing collective bargaining agreement between TARC and the ATU, which expires Aug. 31, 2022. 

“I thank the Board of Directors for recognizing the critical part our union members and TARC staff performed during the most challenging months of the pandemic,” said Carrie Butler, Executive Director of TARC. “I am pleased the ATU and TARC management have been able to reach this agreement and continue working together to provide reliable, safe, and efficient transportation to our community.” 

“Working together is always the goal. I am happy that TARC leadership is recognizing the efforts of ATU members during this pandemic,” said Lillian Brents, President, Business Agent of the ATU Local 1447. “We were able to set aside our differences to work towards a common goal — our employees and the community we serve.” 

“The members of the board recognize that TARC employees have risen to the occasion throughout the pandemic,” said John T. Launius, Chair of TARC’s Board of Directors. “We hope this contribution demonstrates how greatly we value their commitment and dedication to service, each and every day.”