Los Angeles Metro Transit Ambassadors Approve Their Historic First Contract

In a landmark decision on July 16, 2025, the Metro Transit Ambassadors in Los Angeles, represented by Teamsters Local 986, voted to approve their first-ever collective bargaining agreement. This four-year deal is a significant breakthrough for the workers, who have fought tirelessly for improved workplace conditions and benefits. Following a two-and-a-half-year campaign, the ratified contract promises extensive benefits, including comprehensive medical coverage, a pension, workplace protections, seniority rights, and additional paid leave.

Chris Griswold, the Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 986, celebrated the hard-fought achievement: "Congratulations to Metro Transit Ambassadors on their first-ever Teamsters contract. This battle was tough, but their determination paid off, not just with economic benefits but also with a transition from a pilot program into a permanent career opportunity. This secures jobs for hundreds of workers."

The agreement signifies a new chapter for approximately 400 Metro Transit Ambassadors, who are currently employed by private contractors serving Los Angeles but will soon transition to jobs directly with the Los Angeles County Metro Transit Authority later this month. This shift not only brings job security but also allows these workers to partake in preferred benefits as union members.

One of the ambassadors, Kathleen Ceniceros, shared her enthusiasm for union representation, stating, "I voted to join the Teamsters because I have never been part of something that supports working people. To have a union looking out for me and my co-workers is not just what I wanted, but something I needed."

Since its establishment in 1948, Teamsters Local 986 has played a crucial role in advocating for workers across the Western United States, including regions as far as Hawaii and Guam. Their commitment to labor rights and improving workers' conditions remains a guiding principle of their mission.

As these 400 ambassadors prepare for their new roles with Metro Transit, this contract serves as a testament to the potential for unity and collective action in the pursuit of economic fairness and workplace dignity. The victory of the Metro Transit Ambassadors illustrates the power of labor unions in today's workforce, empowering employees and affirming their rights in the workplace.

For more information about this historic event and other initiatives, visit local986.org.