Santa Monica Local Wins Cost of Living Increases

By a strong majority, the members of SMART-TD Local 1785 (Santa Monica, California) have ratified a new, five-year contract with Santa Monica Municipal Bus Lines.  

Members Wanted to be Paid Their Worth

One of the most notable highlights is a significant cost-of-living adjustment over the lifetime of the agreement, which includes a wage opener in January of 2029 to go back to the bargaining table and possibly secure an additional increase.  
 
Leadership for the General Committee of Adjustment for Santa Monica Municipal Bus Lines (GCA SMB) points out that earning salaries that reflect their worth was top-of-mind for members and this agreement delivers on that priority.  
 
“I think that’s [the COLA and wage opener] going to benefit the operators financially in a significant way when we talk about transit,” explained GCA SMB General Chairperson Markeisha Haynes. “So, to possibly get us into making a substantial amount of money by 2029 is amazing.”   
 
Some of the other gains made in the agreement include… 

• Sick Leave: New hires receive six days of six leave instead of waiting six months for sick leave accruals. 
• Performance Evaluations: These have been removed from the contract and substituted with guaranteed step increases. 
• Attendance Policy: Allows for a temporary step reduction in pay in lieu of a suspension. 
• Holidays: Addition of one floating holiday 

Teamwork Gets Things Done

GCA SMB Vice Chairperson Christine Ivey praised James Sandoval, Vice President of the SMART-TD Bus Department, for his input during the negotiations.  
 
“We had a great team. James did a fantastic job,” said Vice Chairperson Ivey. “I couldn’t have been prouder of him. He understood the assignment. He went in and he did his best, and I commend him for all the effort that he put into it.” 
 
With yet another ratified agreement for SMART-TD’s Bus Department, VP Sandoval says this is proof that the momentum that’s been building in 2025 isn’t about to slow down any time soon.  
 
“During the first half of the year, SMART-TD’s Bus Department ratified several strong tentative agreements that showed that our brothers and sisters aren’t willing to settle for the bare minimum,” said VP Sandoval. “These contracts reflect our members’ worth and the professionalism, knowledge, and skill that they bring to the job. I’m very proud of Sister Haynes, the entire bargaining team, and the members of Local 1785 for their tenacity in fighting for what they deserve and becoming the latest addition to our growing list of wins for our bus operators!”  
 
General Chairperson Haynes says this contract is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the enthusiasm building at Local 1785.  
 
“We’re doing great things at our property, not only contract-wise but just overall as far as growth, as far as elected new officers,” explained General Chairperson Haynes. “This is the first time that our local has ever had a female cabinet. More people are starting to get involved because they’re starting to see that 1785 is moving in a great direction, so as long as we keep doing what we’re doing, getting the participation of membership, I’m really, really happy with where this is going.”