After months of negotiations, Oahu Transit Services has finalized a new four-year labor agreement with Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers Local 996, covering about 1,400 TheBus drivers, mechanics, and support staff. The contract provides a total pay increase of 16% over its duration while maintaining comprehensive medical and pension benefits for both active employees and retirees. Union leaders confirmed that members approved the deal, allowing OTS to implement the payroll and benefits changes.
According to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, OTS President Robert Yu called the agreement a “major milestone” and said the agency is eager to move forward in serving Oʻahu residents. The paper reports the union told OTS that a majority of members voted to ratify the contract covering about 1,400 workers. Local 996 President Kevin Holu could not be immediately reached to confirm additional details, the Star-Advertiser noted.
Council pressure and past stalemate
As outlined in the Honolulu City Council agenda, the council’s International and Legal Affairs Committee took up Resolution 25‑313 in January, urging OTS and the union to reach a settlement and avoid potential service disruptions. Local coverage last fall described months of stalled bargaining and warned riders to line up alternate travel options as talks dragged on, as TheBus negotiations edge toward strike reported.
What’s in the deal
The four-year pact delivers roughly a 16% total pay increase over the term of the contract and, according to OTS, preserves generous benefits for workers. As reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser, the company described the package as including 100% employer-paid medical coverage for active employees and their families, lifetime retiree medical coverage for retirees and spouses, and full employer pension contributions.
Why it matters for riders and legal threads
Hawaii News Now reported that TheBus moves about 130,000 riders a day and that OTS had urged commuters to consider alternate travel while negotiations were still underway. The NLRB lists a case filed in early January involving Local 996 and OTS that alleges unfair labor practices, suggesting some disputes may continue in administrative channels even with the new contract in place…