MTA Bus Contract Update

Yesterday, February 20th, marked the first time that the Union and Management formally sat down to begin discussions on the MTA Bus contract. Although the contract expired on December 31, 2024, there was no practical reason to meet sooner due to several significant obstacles that had to be resolved first. With those issues now behind us, the Local 106 MTA Bus Negotiating Team determined that the timing was finally right to move forward.

As expected, the meeting was productive. Both sides engaged in meaningful dialogue and set the framework for continued discussions.

However, our most significant challenge remains the MTA Bus multiplier pension system. This pension structure is inferior to even the worst aspects of Tier 6 and continues to place our members at a disadvantage. Unfortunately, meaningful reform of the multiplier system will be extremely difficult unless Transport Workers Union Local 100 is able to secure the necessary pension improvements in their upcoming negotiations.

As you know, our MTA Bus pension is tied to Local 100 through prior agreements. Because of established pattern bargaining and previous arbitration decisions affirming our right to follow the Local 100 pattern, our ability to independently alter the pension structure — even through arbitration — would not likely succeed.

While we delayed the start of negotiations for strategic reasons, we are now aligned with the OA and Queens units in terms of timing. We are actively pushing to have all outstanding contracts concluded as soon as possible. As is often the case, we are currently awaiting management’s responses on several key demands before the next phase of negotiations can move forward.

We will continue to keep the membership informed as developments occur.