Tracie L. Williams is retiring soon but will walk out the door with a nice going-away present — a nice new contract.
Williams and other members of Local 3613 (AFSCME Florida) work for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA).
This month, they ratified a contract that locks in unprecedented pay raises and critical job security provisions.
“A union insures you. It’s about knowing you are a part of a strong group who will lift your voice and have your back,” says Williams, a dedicated JTA dispatch supervisor. “I’ve been working for the JTA for 27 years, and I remember when I was getting just 10-cent increases.”
The four-year contract includes strong layoff protections, a 6.5% raise in the first year, a $4 increase to the starting wage, and a top pay rate of $34.10 an hour.
“And guess what?” says Michael Scott, a dispatch supervisor and vice president of Local 3613. “We came from $17 an hour only three years ago. You walk in the door now and start at $30 an hour."
Members will see raises between 3.5% and 6% each year along with performance and safety incentives of up to 1%. New contract language also clarifies the grievance procedure and provides advance notice of disciplinary meetings to allow for union representation.
Scott said these protections were critical wins. Members beat back efforts by JTA’s new CEO to reclassify their jobs with new titles and the same responsibilities, but outside the bargaining unit.
Before negotiations began, Scott and Local 3613 President Cindy Hurst worked with members to put together contract proposals that would be ready to go on day one. And it worked. Negotiations took less than three days.
Scott said solidarity, clear asks and a strategy for rebuttal were key to the local’s success.
The new contract gives members the dignity and respect they deserve. From pay equity to workplace dignity, AFSCME members everywhere are embracing the union difference.