Local 1741 Ratifies Trio of Strong Agreements

Last week, our brothers and sisters at Local 1741 (San Francisco, California) ratified not one but three agreements with San Francisco School Bus Drivers-ZUM, covering bus drivers, SMART-TD members who work in the office, and yard workers. 

Hat Trick Results in Big Gains, Protections for Workers 

Reflecting on the negotiations, General Chairperson of GCA-SFS Gene Guzman noted that even though the overall process was smooth, workers still held their ground when needed and fought for what they deserved.

“We put a lot of effort into it, and I think we did really well,” he said.

The new, six-year agreement includes: 

• Significant wage increases over the life of the contract. 
• Health care plan improvements. 
• Personal leave of absence protections. 
• Maintenance of 10-hour spread overtime after the company tried to urge the drivers to give it up. 

SMART members who work in the office in particular will see a significant wage increase during the first year of the contract, followed by the same percentage raises as the drivers for the remaining years.

“Both the union and the company saw that [SMART members who work in the office] had been left behind and needed to be caught up financially to us and to get the same percentages of increase going forward now,” explained Guzman. 

New GC Brings a Fresh Perspective on Negotiations

This was GC Guzman’s first time having a front-row seat while securing a new agreement as a General Chairperson, and he said that not fully knowing what to expect in that role wasn’t a bad thing. 

“I wouldn’t say that I had a lot of expectations coming in, so I just basically stayed in the present and did the best I could,” he said. “Having achieved the contract that [our whole negotiating team] achieved and doing as well as we did, I’m very happy about it.”

In particular, GC Guzman highlighted the tireless work of the committee, including Local 1741 President Meghann Adams and SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval.

“It was my responsibility to be the lead negotiator as the chairperson…best thing I ever did was turn that over to James,” he said, laughing. “James is a very calm negotiator. No matter what the circumstances, he doesn’t get excited. He’s Superman. He really is phenomenal, and I couldn’t have more respect for anyone than I do for James.”

VP Sandoval praised the solidarity and determination of both GC Guzman and the entire SFS negotiating team.  

“You wouldn’t guess this was Brother Guzman’s first time at the bargaining table,” said VP Sandoval. “He stayed calm and collected, leaning on the strength of his team and helping everyone bring their best forward. His steady presence kept the focus on unity and making sure our members’ needs were front and center. That’s what leadership and solidarity look like, and I’m very proud of GC Guzman, the rest of the bargaining team (Meghann, Keva, Angela, Leslie, Jim, Paul), and all of our Local 1741 brothers and sisters.”

A Lasting Legacy 

As GC Guzman prepares to celebrate his 74^th birthday in October and starts to see retirement slowly approaching on the horizon, he hopes that this new agreement reflects how much he cares about his members and their futures. 
 
“All three got good pay bumps. I know most people are quite happy about it. And you know, what else can you want?” GC Guzman asked. “My goal in becoming chairperson was to set up the membership with a good contract, and we did so that’s very satisfying.”