Apple shuttlebus drivers vote in favor of first contract after unionization

The drivers work for Loop Transportation, and are affiliated with Teamsters' Local 853. The union represents shuttle drivers for tech companies Apple, eBay, Evernote, Facebook, Google, PayPal, and Yahoo.

In 2015, drivers began to speak out against tech companies in Silicon Valley. Initial complaints centered around unpaid downtime in between routes driven in the morning and evening. The downtime problem has been addressed in this contract, and is considered paid time.

The Teamsters' contract was initially approved and submitted in August 2015.

Before the 25 percent rate hike for Apple drivers in March 2015, prior to unionization, drivers averaged around $27,000 per year. "The pay increases are so significant to these people," said Rome Aloise, Teamsters International vice president and Local 853 principal officer. "They're life-changing."