PHOENIX — The full impact of a strike by about 900 bus drivers in
Phoenix and nearby Tempe was felt for the first time Monday as the
workweek began.
The drivers went on strike Saturday against
Veolia Transportation over wages and benefit disputes. The two sides had
been negotiating for nearly two years but couldn't reach a deal.
Veolia
said a federal mediator has contacted Amalgamated Transit Union Local
1433, and both sides were scheduled to meet Tuesday.
Veolia is
required to provide 60 percent service levels in the event of the strike
and the company has been training and flying in drivers from out of
state, according to The Arizona Republic. Service hovered around 15
percent of normal for bus routes Veolia operates in Phoenix as evening
commutes began.
Veolia has until March 24 to reach the 60 percent
threshold, but "we expect 60 percent as soon as possible," Phoenix
Public Transit Department Director Neal Young said.
The Phoenix
and Tempe drivers operate 50 of the 101 routes served by the regional
Valley Metro transit system, which serves more than 200,000 bus riders a
day. Riders were urged to make other arrangements or check routes on
the Valley Metro website.
Metro light rail service wasn't affected. (that's a shame that they didn't walk out in sympathy)
Mayor
Greg Stanton said he was disappointed that the two sides allowed for
three days of the strike to occur before returning to the negotiating
table. He said Veolia and the union need to "do right by the people of
this city" and negotiate around the clock until they settle the dispute.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505245_162-57396103/phoenix-area-bus-riders-feel-strikes-full-effect/
1 comment:
(that's a shame that they didn't walk out in sympathy)
I agree.
But, there isn't a single entity running public transit in the Phoenix metroplex.
Yeah, it's all "Valley Metro," but it's a different "Valley Metro" in Tempe than it is in Phoenix (for example).
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