A potential strike is looming for Tucson bus and streetcar drivers after their union negotiators failed to reach a new collective bargaining agreement with the transit service Sun Tran.
The old agreement expired midnight June 30.
The two parties continued negotiations into the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 1, when Sun Tran presented what it calls its “best and final offer.”
"We want to reach an agreement that avoids a disruption in service for the people of Tucson,” said Mike Sanchez, a representative for Teamsters Local 104, in a statement. "However, the ball is now in the company's court.”
In a statement, Sun Tran said the safety of its operators, employees and community is its highest priority, and the proposed agreement is a “mutually beneficial outcome, with a strong emphasis on safety while providing fiscally responsible economic provisions.”
The union is expected to vote on the proposal at its next meeting on July 11 and 12.
Sun Tran says if a work stoppage occurs, it will operate a limited-service schedule and people should be prepared for longer wait times.
In 2015, Sun Tran drivers went on strike over alleged mold contamination, wages and assaults on drivers. The strike ended after 42 days, as reported by the Arizona Daily Star.
In March, Pima County voters approved a $2.67 billion regional transportation plan — called RTA-Next — which sets aside $51 million for transit safety measures, according to Arizona Public Media. The previous transportation plan, which was approved by voters in 2006, also expired on June 30.
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