Big Bus Washington Approves Union Contract, 47-1

OCTOBER 12 -- Big Bus Washington Tour Bus Operators overwhelmingly approved a contract negotiated by TWU Local 100 last weekend. The tally was 47 in favor, 1 against. President Tony Utano came in to close negotiations in New York leading to the final agreement. The pact had been approved by the Local 100 Executive Board on September 5 and was then submitted to ratification by the members at Big Bus Washington.

Among the provisions of the new agreement are 7 paid holidays, job protections and safeguards against unfair discipline, increased company contributions to the employee medical plan, and weekly and annual attendance bonuses.

Representing the negotiating committee at the Exec Board ratification was Big Bus Operator Jonathan Williams, Sr., (in checked shirt) who is pictured next to Private Lines Division Chair Carlos Bernabel. With the union leadership including (l-r) Administrative VP Nelson Rivera, President Tony Utano, Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp, and Secretary Treasurer Earl Phillips. Next to Brother Rivera is Manny Agosto, an Executive Board member representing Liberty Lines in Westchester. At far right is Private Lines VP Pete Rosconi.

Big Bus is one of the world's largest open top double decker tour bus companies, with fleets in 20 cities in 11 countries.