Press Release

MECHANICS AND BUS DRIVERS AGREE TO PAY FOR PERFORMANCE

An innovative pay-for-performance salary structure is now in place for bus drivers and mechanics under terms of a new contract approved by the Board of Education last week.

The contract provides for salary increases only when mechanics pass certified training courses and when bus drivers meet department standards for quality service.

The contract also sets a new top wage for drivers at $16.85 per hour, well above the previous $14.01 per hour; and sets the new top wage for mechanics at $21.12 per hour, well above the previous $17.51 per hour. All increases for longevity (based on years of service to the district) have been eliminated.

In the future, advancement on the salary schedule will only be permitted when mechanics successfully pass at least one Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) test. There are six modules, including Body Systems, Diesel Engines, Drive Train, Brakes, Suspension and Steering, and Electronic Systems. Mechanics must pass all modules and achieve "master bus technician" status to reach steps six and seven on the eight-step salary schedule. In addition, mechanics must be continually re-certified in all six areas.

For bus drivers, advancement on the salary schedule will only be permitted by receiving a successful performance appraisal, which includes attendance rate, punctuality, accident rate, ability to follow work rules, dress code, and damage to property. Drivers must also meet all other requirements, including their Commercial Drivers License (CDL) rating, first aid and state certifications.

"This is a major shift in the way we do business," said Guy Champlin, Executive Director of Transportation and Support Services. "Our workers now need to demonstrate their technical performance and their abilities on a day-in, day-out basis. Salary increases are no longer awarded simply for coming back for another year of work."

The new contract terms are also in line with pay-for-performance plan for all school administrators. The district is also pursuing a pilot pay-for-performance approach with teachers.

The terms of the contract have been approved by the membership of Local 1563 of the Amalgamated Transit Union.

The district has 68 mechanics and about 440 bus drivers. The district transports more than 24,000 students daily.