The members of California Local 1741’s Local Committee of Adjustment for San Carlos Schools (LCA SCS) have ratified a new tentative agreement with a remarkable 96% approval rate.
Their new two-year contract brings tangible gains in wages, retirement security, workplace rights, and union protections. The ratified contract goes into effect with the first full pay period after August 1, 2025.
Key Gains for SMART-TD Bus Members in San Carlos
- Wage Increases: A 6.8% increase in top pay over two years, by the end of this period these members will enjoy the highest rate for School Bus Operators in the region.
- 401(k) Match Doubles: The employer match for retirement contributions will increase from $500 to $1,000 by 2027, creating a stronger path to financial security for members.
- Union Release Time: For the first time, union officers have secured the right to be released from their shifts for official union business, giving them more flexibility to serve and protect the membership.
- Enhanced Discipline and Grievance Procedures: Members now benefit from more favorable timelines and an improved process that strengthens their voice in disciplinary matters.
- No Concessions Given!
These improvements, along with additional updates throughout the contract, reflect months of determined negotiations and collaborative effort between Local 1741 LCA SCS leadership and SMART-TD’s national Bus Department.
Union Leadership Voices
Brother Timothy Haran, General Chairperson of Local 1741 LCA SCS, praised the solidarity and dedication of the membership, saying, “Talking with our members, they wanted to see a raise in wages, they wanted to see an increase in their 401(k) plans. All in all, what we wanted was security, and we got it in this contract.” Haran added that he wanted to thank Vice President James Sandoval for his role in the negotiations. “James is old school union. That is exactly what 1741 needed to get this done.”
James Sandoval, Vice President of the SMART-TD Bus Department, who assisted throughout the process, added:
“Brother Haran did a tremendous job advocating for our members. This agreement not only improves conditions now, but it also lays the groundwork for even stronger contracts in the future. Something I don’t want to see get lost in this agreement is the win that Tim (Brother Haran) got, allowing the leadership of 1741 LCA SCS to take the time off work needed to represent our brothers and sisters. This is one of those easily overlooked wins that will pay dividends in the short term and long term. Our Bus Operators work hard, and they deserve to be represented by officers who aren’t constrained by how much time and effort can go into working for them!”
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Local 1741 continues to lead by example in the fight for fair treatment, dignity, and respect for school bus operators across the country.
SMART-TD congratulates Local 1741’s LCA SCS members on this hard-earned and well-deserved success.
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