Pace, CPS paratransit drivers reach tentative contract deal, potentially ending weekslong strike

Drivers who transport people with disabilities for Chicago Public Schools and suburban bus service Pace could end their weekslong strike after they reached a tentative contract deal with their employer Tuesday.

Nearly 800 drivers walked off the job Aug. 16 in protest of what they said were unfair wages. After reaching a tentative deal with SCR Medical Transportation, they could be back at work by the end of the week if they vote to ratify the contract Thursday.

"Teamsters Local 727 and SCR Medical Transportation reached a tentative agreement on a four-year agreement yesterday afternoon that gives their CPS and PACE drivers significant raises to give them parity with the other drivers in the paratransit industry. The members will vote on it tomorrow," SCR Medical Transportation said in a statement.

Teamsters Local 727, CPS and Pace didn't return requests for comment.

The five-year deal comes with significant raises for Pace drivers, at 30% the first year and an additional 10% over the next four years, according to Crain's Chicago Business. They'll start at $23 per hour with a $27-per-hour ceiling.

If the contract is ratified, the CPS drivers will also see an immediate 12% pay bump and a combined 8% increase over the next four years.

The contract also includes access to the Teamsters health clinic, which provides doctor visits, immunizations and prescriptions.

SCR and Teamsters Local 727 have met dozens of times since April to renegotiate a contract, but progress was slow, prompting the strike.

Pace buses were still running with expected delays during the strike.