(CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y.) – Teamster transit and paratransit drivers for First Transit in Cheektowaga, N.Y. ratified their first contract with the company on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2016. There are 45 workers in the bargaining unit.

The drivers, who serve upstate New York communities including Cuba, N.Y., Olean, N.Y. and Wellsville, N.Y., will be receiving initial wage increases of 15 percent, with annual step increases in the contract. Seniority for bidding on new job opportunities is now mandated.

“This agreement is a big win for these drivers,” said Tony Vaccaro, a business agent with Local 264 in Cheektowaga, N.Y. “It was huge to get the part-timer workers included in the scope of the contract. Our new members will get major quality of life improvements such as personal time and bereavement leave, while taking home substantially more money monthly. On behalf of everyone at Local 264, we congratulate these workers on their first contract.”

The contract took effect on Nov. 21, 2016 and will expire on Mar. 31, 2016.

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.teamster.org.

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