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Phoenix Bus Company Pushes Back Against Union Claims, Negotiations Continue

Negotiations continue between Phoenix bus workers and the transit company Transdev.

Workers have been on strike since the end of last week.

Transdev is pushing back against claims that workers are underpaid or have no way to keep health coverage while on strike. The company said employees were warned their health premiums would not be covered if they walked off the job, but anyone can still get insurance and foot the bill.

Chairman of Transdev Transit North America Ken Westbrook said almost all the issues have been ironed out at this point, except for money. Under the current contract, workers receive a 3 percent annual wage increase over the next five years.

“We’ve done our part. It’s time for the union to get realistic with what they’re asking for and quit expecting the taxpayers of the city of Phoenix to bring more money to the table," said Westbrook.

Westbrook said some with the union had proposed the city of Phoenix chip in more than $4 million to cover some of the demands.

A city spokesperson said no official request has been made.

In an email statement, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton said he would not comment on conversations with either side, "but the City does not have the resources to add money to the contract."

Will Stone was a senior field correspondent at KJZZ from 2015 to 2019.