Jul 14, 2008 6:57 pm US/Central
Metro Transit Workers Vote Down Contract
(WCCO)
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The Amalgamated Transit Union represents 2,200 workers and about 1,500 are transit drivers. The contract was voted down overwhelmingly, with 95 percent saying no. (File)
Metro Transit
Metro Transit workers in the Twin Cities have voted down a new contract.
The Amalgamated Transit Union represents 2,200 workers and about 1,500 are transit drivers. The contract was voted down overwhelmingly, with 95 percent saying no.
There is now concern a strike could be looming. At the earliest, workers could vote to strike July 31, when their current contract expires. There is also a 10-day cooling off period after the vote, which would push it until the middle of August.
Ridership on Metro Transit is at a 25-year high. A spokesperson said it's surpassed first quarter rides for the first time in 24 years.
Rayken Smith depends on the drivers and fears that someday soon they won't be here.
"The bus saves my life, saves my legs from walking and all that," said Smith.
One transit driver, who didn't want to be identified, said drivers don't want to strike.
"We like our jobs. We enjoy the people we transport. We don't want to hurt them like we're being hurt," he said.
It's possible a strike could coincide with the Minnesota State Fair and the Republican National Convention. State Fair organizers say they are aware of the negotiations and they're hoping the two sides come to an agreement.
The last Metro Transit strike was in 2004 and it lasted 45 days.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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