The Golden Empire Transit Board has approved a new labor contract that eliminates a two tier system among drivers and mechanics. Tuesday’s vote gives 37 lower tier drivers full pay and benefits, so Teamster members quickly ratified the contract. The lower tier became obsolete some years ago when they stopped using part-time drivers from an outside contractor, but is just now being eliminated. The new deal calls for annual raises to go from 2 to 3 percent over the five years.

Sean Michael Lisle