Transit workers reject contract; strike is possible

Article by: Associated Press
Updated: August 23, 2010 - 9:08 PM

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Metro Transit bus drivers, light-rail operators, bus and light-rail mechanics, and office workers Monday rejected a contract offer from the Metropolitan Council, setting the stage for another round of talks and possibly a strike.

Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union 1005 began voting Sunday and completed casting ballots Monday at union headquarters in Minneapolis. According to results posted on the union website Monday night, more than 98 percent of those casting ballots voted "No."

The sides have been negotiating since February without reaching an agreement. Michelle Sommer, president of the union, which represents about 2,200 workers, said the rejected contract called for a wage freeze, an increase in health insurance premiums and would have doubled the costs for office visits.

Drivers currently are paid $14 to $24.19 per hour, she said.

Sommer said union representatives plan to return to the bargaining table on Aug. 30. If future negotiation session don't yield a contract, the union could call for a strike.

Metro Transit workers last went on strike in 2004, when they were off the job six weeks.

STAFF REPORTS