Facebook has agreed to a new contract with Loop Transportation that will benefit the shuttle drivers who transport employees to the Silicon Valley campus in Menlo Park.
Facebook Agrees to Better Pay and Benefits
The shuttle drivers, who joined Teamsters Local 853 in November of last year, will enjoy better benefits and a pay increase. The 87 shuttle drivers who are contracted by Loop Transportation will see average pay go up from $18 per hour to $27.50 per hour. The shuttle drivers will also get guaranteed overtime, up to 5 weeks of paid vacation, 11 paid holidays and paid health care for full-time employees.
Changes Begin To Address Income Inequality
The contract is a major step in addressing income inequality for the drivers who are responsible for safely transporting employees who regularly make six-figure salaries. The better wages, benefits, and working conditions are acknowledgment of the value of the services that drivers provide, say the Teamsters.
Prior to the Teamster organized contract, drivers were not only complaining of low wages, but also long work days. Many drivers worked 12-16 hours per day in split shifts as they transported Facebook employees to the campus in the morning and from the campus in the evening.
Google and Apple are following suit, announcing that they will also be increasing hourly pay and benefits for shuttle drivers.
Sources:
USA Today
SiliconBeat
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