Akron Metro RTA bus drivers may walk off the job Nov. 15 after failing to reach a new contract agreement.
The drivers had threatened to strike Nov. 4 if they did not reach a new agreement. However, the public transit agency said Wednesday evening it had been assured by Transport Workers Union Local 1 that there would be no strike or picketing on Thursday.
Contract talks between the two sides have drug on for more than a year.
Metro said has offered the union what it termed a final proposal and asked for a vote on the pact by union members.
Major issues in the negotiations include wages, health insurance and other issues.
TWU represents 71 percent of Metro employees including 239 bus drivers, 17 vehicle service employees, four vehicle detailers and 12 customer care representatives.
Metro has 378 employees including 32 mechanics who are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 348.
Members of the TWU approved a strike authorization vote on Sept. 11, which gave union leaders authority to call a strike if they decide one is necessary.
Metro’s fleet included 231 vehicles – 140 large buses and 91 paratransit vehicles – that serve 29 local routes and other services.
Tags: Akron Metro Regional Transit Authority, Akron Metro RTA, Labor contracts, labor unions, Public transit, Transport Workers Union
akronrrclub.wordpress.com 
Leave a Reply