This past week, braving blazing 100 plus degree temperatures
and universal condemnation from the local, corporate owned media,
Columbus bus drivers and maintenance workers, members of United
Transportation Union, local 208, carried out a successful two day strike
against COTA (Central Ohio Transportation Authority).
The
largely African-American UTU workforce had been working since November
without a contract, and no progress had been made in negotiations until a
Federal Mediator was brought in a month ago. However, members of UTU,
concerned with safety and economic issues had set a deadline of July 1
to settle or to walk. The union did not want to strike but felt they had
to take a stand for economic justice and public safety or, as public
workers, they’d continue to be made scapegoats for an economic crisis
caused by corporate greed. “Our members live in this community and
whatever they earn, they spend in this community,” said TWU, local 208
President Andrew Jordan. “We are active contributing members of the
Columbus community and we’re working to make this area better, stronger
and safer.”
The settlement, after talks quickly got underway and
were successful, brings workers a 7% raise over the next three years
and, while continuing pension coverage, has workers contributing an
additional 1% to that program.
Healthcare coverage is maintained
and strengthened in some areas, including the introduction of a Wellness
Program which rewards workers for making healthy lifestyle choices
(working out, quitting smoking, etc.). Protections were put in place for
bus drivers, who’ve faced assaults, violence, in some cases. Some
shorter shifts are being introduced, in order
to help, with other provisions, address the problem of dangerous fumes
that maintenance workers must deal with. The settlement is expected to
bring over $2 million into the depressed Columbus economy, has the
Transit workers spend their raises at local businesses.
“Everyone
came together, workers and the public, and we are so happy to be back
on the job,” said local driver Lisa Combs. “I want to retire and spend
time with my family, and now I can. We’ve given the better part of our
lives to serving the public and we shouldn’t have to retire just to get
another job, like so many now have to. This is good for all of us!”
Many
of those present at the Transport Worker’s Union hall on South High
were appreciative of the active role played by Columbus Mayor Coleman in
getting the sides to the table and working to assure that a quick
settlement was achieved. Much like the fight against SB 5 this past
year, which scapegoated public
workers and would’ve ended their bargaining rights if it hadn’t been
repealed, the Dispatch and local media attacked the workers for daring
to strike. The public, however, was generally supportive of the workers,
according to Jordan. “As soon as we set up picket lines, we started
hearing car horns, seeing folks waving, giving us thumbs-up signs,”
Jordan stated. “We had people just showing up with water for the
picketers, snacks, and encouragement. I was really happy to see a group
from the AFL-CIO and especially a nice crowd from the UAW. It wasn’t
unanimous, there were a few negatives, but those being supportive were
the majority, by far!”
Mass transit has been under attack from
corporate forces and GOP politicians nationally. Jordan said that the
UTU local here sees mass transit as extremely important to the local
community, that it helps people in communities trying to find work and
is better environmentally for communities. UTU
here had set delegations this past year to D.C. to lobby for a strong
transportation bill. “I’ve been here 14 years and this really brought
everyone, workers and public, together,” said Trina Tucker. “My son, my
family, is important and this settlement means that I can take care of
them with dignity!”
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