Gardena City Council in California has unanimously approved the first union contract for GTrans bus operators, formalising a new labour agreement following more than a year of organising and negotiations. The October 27, 2026, vote officially recognised SMART Transportation Division (SMART-TD) as the operators' representative.
The agreement marks a significant development for the city's public transportation workforce. GTrans operators joined SMART-TD nearly a year before the contract approval, seeking improved wages, workplace protections and employment benefits.
Ratified by an overwhelming majority of operators in September 2026, the two-year agreement includes retroactive and future wage increases, stronger just-cause job protections and improved overtime compensation for all workers.
Negotiations also addressed differences in workers' compensation benefits between GTrans operators and other City of Gardena employees. After operators rejected an initial contract offer, SMART-TD continued advocating for equal treatment.
The final agreement maintains workers' compensation benefits at 85% for all current operators, addressing a key concern raised during negotiations.
SMART-TD Bus Department Vice President James Sandoval highlighted the importance of member solidarity and community support in securing the agreement. The organising effort involved sustained participation from operators who continued advocating for improved employment conditions throughout the negotiation process.
Gardena Mayor Tasha Cerda also acknowledged the significance of the agreement during the City Council meeting, recognising the operators' achievement in establishing their new union representation.
The agreement demonstrates the role of collective bargaining in improving workforce conditions across public transportation operations. Wage increases, stronger job protections and improved compensation benefits can contribute to employee retention and workforce stability.
For transportation and infrastructure employers, the development highlights the importance of employee engagement, fair compensation and constructive labour relations in maintaining essential public services.
Source: Smart.
