0:00Central to the meeting was the approval of a contract with Transdev, the school bus service provider, which includes substantial wage increases for bus drivers. The agreement, which spans from July 2024 to July 2028, stipulates a rise in the hourly wage from $29.13 to $33 in the first year, with further increments planned for subsequent years. This adjustment is designed not only to make the positions more competitive in the labor market but also to ensure that Boston’s school bus drivers are adequately compensated to reflect their critical role in the city’s educational system.

A notable provision in the contract is the guarantee of a minimum of 31 paid hours weekly for drivers, which will rise to 35 hours starting July 1. This change aims to stabilize the workforce and improve the consistency of service delivery. The contract also introduces a “work as directed” clause, intended to enhance coverage for athletic trips and other essential services that have historically faced operational challenges. This clause is expected to address gaps in service that have been problematic, particularly for student athletes needing reliable transportation to practices and events.

17:32The council’s discussion highlighted longstanding transportation issues, such as the need for timely and reliable bus services for student athletes. Concerns were raised about past failures in meeting these requirements, with some members expressing frustration over the persistent delays, especially in areas like East Boston. Suggestions were made to potentially utilize the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) for certain trips, although challenges were noted, such as the impracticality of transporting sports equipment on public transit.

The meeting also addressed the operational challenges within the current bidding system for supplemental trips. It was noted that trips outside regular school schedules are bid on by drivers three business days in advance, which sometimes results in last-minute notifications for teams. The council explored whether new provisions in the contract could mitigate these issues by ensuring better coverage and timeliness for extracurricular activities.

32:36In addition to transportation logistics, the council examined the implications of the new contract on retirement benefits for drivers. Many bus drivers, as private sector employees, lack traditional pension plans, creating financial constraints that keep older drivers working longer than desired. The new agreement aims to alleviate this by reducing the service eligibility requirement for retirement and increasing retirement severance pay, thus encouraging workforce turnover and the introduction of newer drivers.

0:00The discussion on contracts extended beyond transportation, with the council also addressing agreements related to the Mayor’s Office of Housing. These agreements provide for a 2% wage increase, with additional flat increments for lower-wage workers. Adjustments in vacation allowances, sick pay, and on-call compensation were highlighted as measures to enhance responsiveness to housing crises. The council debated whether these compensation packages were sufficient given the current economic challenges.

One council member questioned the specifics of clothing allowances within the SEIU contract, seeking clarification on what these entail for city employees. Additionally, the council explored the potential inclusion of provisions for veterans or reserve military personnel in future contracts, although these were not part of the current agreement.