Metro Transit Workers Push For Better Safety Protections, Say They’re Ready To Strike

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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Metro Transit workers are currently in contract negotiations with the Metropolitan Council, and they say they’re ready to strike they if they can’t get better safety precautions.

Amalgamated Transit Union 1005 represents about 2,400 Metro Transit workers, from bus drivers to light rail operators. Union officials met with the Met Council on Monday morning following other recent attempts to reach an agreement on a new contract.

Also Monday morning, dozens of Metro Transit workers rallied in St. Paul, calling for beefed-up safety precautions, such as better protective gear, ventilation in buses and hazard pay. Workers are also seeking a long-term raise.

The Met Council did provide an offer, but it was rejected. The offer included a deal that would give employees a one-time payment averaging about $1,500 per worker. However, workers said the offer wasn’t good enough.

“We do not want to strike. Let’s get that clear, we do not want to strike,” said Judy Jackson, a bus driver who was at Monday’s rally. “We just want to feel like we’re being protected and taken care of.”

A spokesperson for the Met Council said Monday that they are looking forward to positive and productive conversations.

Source: CBS Minnesota