Apple boosts pay of contract shuttle drivers

Apple is giving a pay raise to the shuttle drivers who ferry the tech company's employees to and from work.

This announcement, just ahead of Apple's expected iWatch event Monday, is the company's second big move recently to address worker inequality and wage gaps.

Last week, Apple said that after a year-long review that it would be hiring full-time employees to handle security at its Cupertino, Calif., headquarters. Previously paid by a contractor, the security workers would get increased benefits and perks as Apple employees.

The shuttle drivers, who provide an important service to Apple workers, will get a 25% increase in hourly pay and other perks.

"Over 5,000 Apple employees in the Bay Area take advantage of our commute alternatives program every day," said Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet in a statement. "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% increase in hourly wages, premium pay for coach and shuttle drivers who work split shifts, and improving the driver break and rest areas."

Many of Apple's drivers are employed by Compass Transportation and Royal Coach Tours. The Teamsters union will likely be involved in the implementation of the pay and benefit increases.

Shuttle drivers for Apple and five other Silicon Valley companies including eBay and Yahoo — employed by Compass Transportation — voted last month to join Teamsters Local 853 in an attempt to improve wages and work conditions.

The union had already organized the Facebook shuttle bus drivers, which recently approved a contract negotiated by the union and Loop Transportation, the contractor that supplies drivers to the tech company.

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