Milwaukee ATU 998 Bus drivers union apologizes for strike, but says more strikes possible

Milwaukee ATU 998 Bus drivers union apologizes for strike, but says more strikes possible
http://www.wisn.com/news/bus-drivers-union-to-announce-next-steps-at-ear...
Jul 06, 2015

MILWAUKEE —James Macon, president of the union for Milwaukee County bus drivers, apologized for last week's bus driver strike, but said more work stoppages could occur.

Macon held a 1 a.m. news conference, accusing Milwaukee County Transit System officials of refusing to have an arbitrator settle their differences.

"I apologize to the riding public," Macon said. "We don't know what's going to happen in the next couple of weeks. I'm not going to promise there's not going to be another job stoppage. It all depends on what happens with our contract."

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The two sides debating the contract met with a federal mediator for six hours on June 30 before the start of a three-day strike.

Drivers said they are concerned about issues ranging from having enough employees contributing to the pension fund, security on the buses, tight schedules and bathroom breaks.

Transit officials said they have offered a fair deal with salary increases and multiple concessions. They said they hope the union’s announcement will not affect riders.

Riders WISN 12 spoke to on Monday had concerns that there could be another work stoppage.

"I had one final class and I had to miss because I didn't have a way to get there," student Jennai Thornton said.

The county offered free rides on buses Monday as a way to give something back to the riders inconvenienced by the strike.

VIDEO: Free bus fares welcome news for riders

The county said it will cost between $50,000 and $70,000 to offer the free rides Monday.