NEW ORLEANS – The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) today announced the finalization of a new labor contract with the United Labor Union (ULU), marking a key step in updating administrative labor standards and reinforcing the agency’s commitment to a stable, modern workforce. 

The updated framework covers the period from July 1, 2025, through December 31, 2028, and applies to 105 administrative employees represented by ULU. It brings long-expired provisions current and reflects a shared focus on clear, consistent practices aligned with today’s workplace needs. 

“This agreement represents meaningful progress for our workforce and our organization,” said RTA CEO Lona Edwards Hankins. “This is the first time since 2019 that RTA and ULU have come together to finalize a labor agreement for this bargaining unit, and it displays a shared commitment to moving forward with clarity, consistency, and partnership. By working collaboratively with ULU, we were able to deliver an agreement that modernizes positions, aligns with best practices, and supports our employees with updated provisions and expanded parental leave.”

Key updates include: 

• Modernizing job classifications by aligning position titles with current roles
• Updating contract provisions to reflect best practices
• Aligning wage provisions with the Board-approved compensation structure
• Ensuring consistency with current administrative policies
• Expanding parental leave benefits
  
  

From the Board’s perspective, the work centered on long-term stability and accountability. Chair Fred Neal Jr. emphasized the importance of modern standards and clear expectations. 

“Our focus was ensuring these terms reflect today’s realities and the agency’s structure,” Neal said. “That alignment supports responsible planning and long-term organizational strength.” 

Wade Rathke, Chief Organizer at United Labor Unions Local 100, noted the value of reaching an updated agreement that strengthens employee support and brings long-overdue improvements. 

“Our priority has always been ensuring employees have a fair, modern agreement that reflects today’s workplace realities,” said Rathke. “Finalizing this contract is an important step forward—one that updates outdated language, strengthens provisions that matter to working people, and ensures the administrative workforce is recognized and supported. We appreciate the work that went into reaching an agreement that positions both employees and the agency for long-term success.”  

The finalized contract reinforces RTA’s broader efforts to strengthen internal operations, support its workforce, and maintain a high-performing organization capable of meeting the region’s evolving transit needs.

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The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority is a political sub-division of the State of Louisiana which is operated by an independent Board of Commissioners that serves Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard Parishes. The agency operates car and passenger ferries, fixed-route buses, Paratransit, and streetcar services. For updates, service alerts, and agency news, follow the RTA on social media: @neworleansrta on Instagram, X (Twitter), and Facebook, and New Orleans Regional Transit Authority on LinkedIn.