Apple is directly funding a 25% wage increase for their sub-contracted shuttle bus drivers, reports the Mercury News. The company is also requiring bus companies contracted with the company to pay a higher hourly rate for split shifts, where drivers are required to work both morning and evening shifts.
“Over 5,000 Apple employees in the Bay Area take advantage of our commute alternatives program every day,” said Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet. “We’re working with the bus companies to help make a number of changes for the more than 150 drivers of our commute shuttles, including funding a 25 percent increase in hourly wages, premium pay for coach and shuttle drivers who work split shifts and improving the driver break and rest areas.”
Apple shuttle contractor Royal Coach Tours said the rise in pay would make the drivers among the highest paid in Silicon Valley.
Jesse Jackson met with Apple CEO Tim Cook last November, where he urged Apple to take the lead in bettering working conditions and wages for lower-paid contract positions such as security guards and shuttle drivers.
Contract drivers for tech companies such as Apple voted to unionize back in January. Apple announced last week that it would be hiring the majority of its contracted security guards as direct employees.
(Via 9to5Mac)
