Board ratifies Palm Tran union agreement raising starting pay to $20 an hour

Palm Beach County commissioners ratified a labor‑management agreement with Amalgamated Transit Union Local HU1577 on March 10 that raises the starting operator wage from $17.25 to $20 per hour and phases additional increases to top rates over the contract term.

Union President Joey Acevedo thanked the board and Palm Tran management for reaching the agreement. County staff summarized key terms: starting pay increased to $20; top step increases to $30.20 in year one and higher in later years; maintenance and technician pay adjustments; a letter of understanding to fund an actuarial study by the pension board to examine a deferred retirement option (DROP); tool allowances and step increases phased across fiscal years 2026–2028. Staff told commissioners the increases aim to reduce vacancies and overtime costs by improving recruitment and retention.

Vice Mayor Marcy Woodward and Commissioner Joel Flores both expressed support; Woodward emphasized reliance on staff analysis and operational effects, and Flores highlighted the recruitment and equity benefits of raising the starting wage. Commissioners raised questions about overtime, CDL training retention and next negotiation priorities; staff said policy discussions about training repayment and overtime limits would return to the board as needed.

The board moved and approved the ratification by voice vote, recorded as 6–0.

Next steps: Staff will implement contract terms and pursue follow‑up policy work on CDL training retention, overtime management, and the DROP actuarial study when funded by the pension board.