Teamsters 533 Members Ratify Agreement with Keolis
For Immediate Release
July 24, 2024
Contact:
Gary Watson, (775) 348-6060 ext. 104
TEAMSTERS 533 MEMBERS RATIFY AGREEMENT WITH KEOLIS
(RENO, Nev.) — Teamsters Local 533, the union representing employees of Keolis Transit, the contractor for the Regional Transportation Commission of Washoe County (RTC Washoe), ratified an agreement for a three-year contract on Wednesday, July 24.
"This is a historic contract for our members who provide essential public transit services to the community. We made no concessions and secured significant wage increases, improved health and welfare benefits, and enhanced retirement security for our hardworking members," said Gary Watson, President of Teamsters Local 533.
"We are very pleased with the outcome of the negotiations. We showed Keolis Transit that we are not going to back down or settle for less than what we deserve. We thank RTC Washoe for recognizing our value and contribution, and we are ready to keep delivering the best public transit service to the people of Washoe County," said Debbie Calkins, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 533.
This agreement offers a wide range of benefits, including but not limited to improved disciplinary procedures, eliminated mandatory mediation in the grievance procedure, better wages, longer lactation breaks, Juneteenth as a holiday, better wages, better pensions, and improved equipment insurance and annual allowances.
“I am thrilled for all my sisters who are new moms. We secured them 30 minutes paid each time they need to provide lactation nourishment for their newborns. We also secured 40 hours of paid time for our members who experience domestic violence. These new items along with all the other big economic gains for my brothers and sisters are setting the bar for Teamster transit workers,” stated Amanda Nelson, 6-year Coach Operator and Local 533 Shop Steward with Keolis Transit.
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Chartered in 1934, Teamsters Local 533 represents about 2,300 workers in various trades throughout northern Nevada and eastern California, including about 200 RTC/Keolis employees. For more information, go to http://teamsters533.org/.