Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 voted Wednesday to approve the latest three-year contract proposed by the Milwaukee County Transit System.
The contract passed with 81 p
James Macon, president of the union, released the following statement:
“While we are happy that the part-time language has been removed from the contract, it is unfortunate that it took County Executive Chris Abele and the Milwaukee County Transit System seven months, and a work stoppage, to do it.
“Milwaukee’s transit system is the economic backbone of the region. Full-time communities need full-time, professional drivers. We will always fight for a fair contract that puts our riders first, retains full-time, professional transit workers, and moves Milwaukee forward.
“We are humbled by the solidarity shown to us from Milwaukee transit riders, labor unions, and community activists who stood with us throughout our fight for a fair contract.
“The fight is not over yet. We still have working conditions that need to be addressed. Bathroom breaks and security are two glaring issues that MCTS needs to improve in the coming period.”
MCTS managing director Dan Boehm released the following statement:
“MCTS drivers, mechanics and all employees have an important job and this contract recognizes that. My sincere thanks to the employees who work so hard every day to keep MCTS running. I also want to thank County Executive Abele and the County Board for their support during these contract talks. Finally, and most importantly, I want to thank our riders for their patience. The main goal of MCTS is to serve our riders and the community; I look forward to working closely with our employees, partners and community stakeholders in continuing that mission.”
