Phoenix bus drivers went on strike early this morning after union officials rejected a “best and final” contract from Transdev, the bus contract company. The local chapter of the Amalgamated Transit Union called for the walkout after contract negotiations stalled.
Protestors stood outside the south Phoenix bus yard holding signs and the American flag early Friday morning. Many had been there since midnight.
"The thing about it is the rights of Americans, us, employees, workers we need just as much as they do, corporations, companies, to benefit. Our way of life has changed because they take and take and take," said protestor Raymond Casselman.
Union officials said sticking points included bereavement time, uniform allowances and vacation time. Other concerns revolved around the use of SmartDrive video. Some drivers say Transdev used the information to discipline them.
"If I get discipline for hitting a bump to hard or something like that it doesn’t say what they can discipline us for it doesn’t say how they’re going to discipline us. It just say there will be disciplinary action. That’s not right. So I could get fired for hitting a bump wrong," said
bus driver Michael Trevino.
Michael Trevino brought his 3-year-old son to the protest because wanted his son to see what he is fighting for.
"Honestly, this is what I’m fighting for is my son," he said. "For me to be able to get my rights of what I deserve from working with this company, I want to make sure it gets passed down to him. If I don’t have any good health insurance that means he’s out of luck."
Transdev officials said they offered a fair contract providing a 3 percent annual wage increase retroactive to July, if accepted without a work stoppage.
The city of Phoenix says if the strike continues, there is a contingency plan.
"Transdev’s plan per our contract is to bring in drivers from outside, train those drivers, and get them onto city busses and onto the streets. So we’ll be working with Transdev to restore service up to 60 percent, which is Saturday-level service," said Lars Jacoby with the city’s transit department.
Unfortunately, that might not help college football fans who are in Phoenix ahead of Monday night’s champion football game between Clemson and Alabama.
Negotiations began in April and resumed last month after a six-week hiatus.
Bus service will be disrupted on a majority of Phoenix routes.
