TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Salvador Llamas, General Manager/ Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Collective Bargaining Agreement
ACTION ITEM
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider the adoption of Resolution 26-029 confirming the approval of the 2026-2028 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Local 3916, from July 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028.
Staff Contact:
Emily Sutkus Cruz, Director of Human Resources
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - High-Performing Workforce
Initiative - Employee Recruitment, Training and Retention
The approval of CBAs between the District and its Unions supports the strategic goals of High-Performing Workforce, Financial Stability and Resiliency, and Convenient and Reliable Service. CBAs confirm compensation, benefits, and labor costs for employee recruitment, retention, and labor forecasting, thus supporting District fiscal responsibility as labor costs will be identified and managed. Convenient and Reliable Service is supported by ensuring a key group of the District’s workforce will continue vital operations for District facilities and vehicles.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost of the AFSCME CBA is estimated to be a total of $7,504,355 over the two-and-a-half-year contract. This breaks down as follows:
• $1,502,473 attributed to the first contract year (07/01/2026-06/30/2027),
• $3,439,904 attributed to the second contract year (07/01/2027-06/30/2028),
• $2,561,978 attributed to final six months of the contract (07/01/2028-12/31/2028).
The fiscal impact associated with this CBA has been incorporated into the current fiscal year budget and will be included in the development of next year’s operating budget.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
The District and AFSCME have completed the negotiation process for this CBA between the District and AFSCME for the period of July 1, 2026, through December 31, 2028.
AFSCME membership ratified the proposed agreement on October 6, 2026.
Board approval is now needed to formally adopt the CBA pursuant to the terms set forth above.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
Approving the proposed CBA extends the labor agreement between AFSCME and the District through December 2028, providing an additional two-and-a-half years of labor stability.
Aside from the increased costs associated with the contract, there are no identified disadvantages to moving forward with approval.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
The Board could choose to not approve the CBA. This is not recommended as the CBA is in the best interest of both the District and the Union. Declining to approve the new CBA risks labor unrest, operational disruptions, legal exposure, and reputational harm.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Resolution No. 23-024
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution No. 26-029 and Related Exhibit
Prepared by:
Leonard Bellow, Labor Relations Manager
Letitia Murphy, Program Administrator, Labor Relations
Approved/Reviewed by:
Paul Kincaid, Interim Chief Financial Officer
Aimee L. Steele, General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer
Salvador Llamas, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer