The Transport Workers Union successfully fought a proposed takeover of La Metro’s Bike Share – keeping good jobs in place that provide economic certainty. The LA Metro Board on Tuesday evening notified the TWU it intends to cancel a request for proposal that would have potentially nullified an industry-leading contract for bikeshare workers that was agreed to a year ago.
The move means that the TWU’s three-month Fightback campaign was successful, and TWU members at Local 320 will continue to benefit from a contract that includes the highest pay in the bikeshare industry, health and retirement benefits, paid sick days, paid family leave, immigration status leave, paid time off and other improvements.
“This successful political organizing Fightback campaign is a big victory for LA bikeshare workers,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen. “TWU Local 320 members defended their jobs in the face of an ugly proposal which would have gutted essential benefits and forced them to reapply for their jobs. LA Bikeshare organized, fought back, and achieved victory!”
“The TWU greatly appreciates the decision of the LA Metro Board, led by Mayor Karen Bass, for making the right call and supporting workers.”
The determination from the LA Metro Board means that hard-working bikeshare mechanics, rebalancers, electronic technicians, asset recovery and stock clerks will continue to reap the benefits of their contract through December 2025. The current contract was negotiated with Bicycle Transit Systems but faced a threat when Lyft underbid BTS for the contract while only promising to maintain current wage rates but doing away with other benefits.
TWU Local 320 members and allies in Los Angeles were a constant presence at LA Metro Board meetings to make their voices heard – and underscore the importance of backing good jobs maintaining a crucial, environmentally friendly mode of transportation as the city ramps up investments in bike infrastructure ahead of the 2028 Olympics.