Palm Tran contract raises starting pay to $20 and phases top-rate increases; county ratifies labor agreement
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Summary
The board ratified a labor-management agreement for Palm Tran that raises the starting wage from $17.25 to $20 and phases top-rate increases, authorizes an actuarial study of a DROP/pension option, and includes sick‑leave flexibility and maintenance pay adjustments; the vote was 6-0.
Palm Tran management and union representatives briefed the Palm Beach County commission on a ratified labor-management agreement the board approved on March 10.
Joey Acevedo, president and business agent of Amalgamated Transit Union Local (speaker for the union), thanked the board for supporting the contract. County presenters said the deal raises the starting operator wage to $20 an hour (from $17.25), increases top rates over the contract period (with top rates rising to about $30.20 then to roughly $32.30 by year three under the agreement as presented), and includes modest increases for maintenance staff and a tool allowance.
The agreement includes an actuarial study funded by the pension board to evaluate whether a deferred retirement option (DROP) or pension plan adjustments are cost‑beneficial; if so, the parties will reopen Article 41 for further negotiation. The contract also allows use of up to two sick days per year for employee wellness and contains stepped percentage increases (3.5% FY26, 2% FY27, 2% FY28) intended to bring pay closer to peer agencies.
Vice Mayor Marcy Woodward and Commissioner Joel Flores supported the agreement as a recruitment and retention strategy; staff told the board the higher starting wage is expected to reduce vacancies and overtime. Commissioner Flores moved to approve item 5e1 and Vice Mayor Woodward seconded; the motion carried 6-0.