LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Unless a deal is reached soon, hundreds of RTC bus drivers and mechanics could walk off the job right before the Super Bowl.
On Friday morning, union members overwhelmingly authorized a strike. Of the 620 members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1637 who cast ballots, 597 voted to reject the current offer from Transdev, the private contractor that runs the RTC. Only six voted to accept the deal.
FOX5 received this statement regarding the state of negotiations from Transdev Friday morning:
“Both Transdev and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1637 came together in June 2023 to ensure continued safe and reliable operations through a temporary Transition Agreement, which is still in place until a long-term contract is finalized. We’re engaged in regular negotiations with the ATU bargaining committee to reach mutually beneficial terms for a new collective bargaining agreement, with a joint commitment to continue discussions until at least late February. This follows Transdev’s significant wage increase for Operators and Mechanics in summer 2023, amounting to over $6 million in annual investment and guaranteeing raises of at least 8% for both groups. The negotiation process has been productive, professional, and conducted in good faith by all parties. Transdev remains hopeful for a swift resolution alongside our partners at the ATU.”
Dennis Hennessy, a veteran RTC driver, tells FOX5, that if a strike does happen, it will start right before the hundreds of thousands of tourists descend upon Las Vegas for Super Bowl LVIII. Hennessy doesn’t believe Transdev could find enough replacement drivers to cover the hundreds of shifts left open.
Stay with FOX5 for continuing coverage of this developing story.
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