Martha's Vineyard Bus Drivers Approve Contract, Ending Strike

Bus drivers on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts have approved a new contract after a nearly monthlong strike.

Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority drivers said on their Facebook support group Sunday that their unionized members overwhelmingly ratified the deal after a discussion and vote Sunday afternoon in Oak Bluffs.

The Amalgamated Transit Union, the labor group representing the workers, announced on Thursday the deal with Transit Connection Inc., the private company that operates the island's public bus system.

The proposal includes pay raises, double pay for working holidays, union protections during layoffs and certain seniority rights, among other provisions.

The transit authority in a statement called it "an affordable and sustainable" agreement and apologized to customers.

Drivers walked off the job June 28 but the authority has continued to provide limited service.