Local 260 members overwhelmingly approved a new collective bargaining agreement with Houston’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority 686-90. Ballots were counted on January 14, 2009. The members had turned down an earlier offer late last year. 

The package provides an 8.1 percent wage increase over the three-year period, as well as an 11 percent boost in the pension benefit. According to Local 260 President Sandra Burleson, the pension hike is the largest in memory.

The Local also held the line on longevity pay, and negotiators secured an increase in the management contribution to the health plan. 

Burleson thanked her Executive Board and International Vice President John Bland for their help during the process.