FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TWU Local 1 to Engage With Akron Commuters on Safety Issues after 17 Months Without a Contract
Transport Workers Union Local 1, representing Bus Operators, Vehicle Service Workers, and Clerical Workers at Akron’s Metro Transit Authority, will hand out leaflets to commuters on Thursday, November 20 to inform them of Metro’s unrealistic scheduling practices – which lead to delayed buses and operators that are overworked without the ability to take bathroom breaks during their shifts.
Workers at Local 1 have gone more 17 months without a contract, as management continues to drag their feet on long overdue pay raises. Management has insisted that workers should pay hundreds of dollars more per month for healthcare while also sacrificing safety for schedules. Workers are forced to work without lunch breaks, rest breaks, or even enough time to use the bathroom.
“Bus Operators are forced to make decisions that compromise safety to keep up with Metro’s unrealistic schedules,” said Local 1 President Wayne Cole. “That leads to riders paying the price. Buses are frequently behind schedule because the routes and timetables bare no resemblance to reality and drivers work hours on end without any breaks. Our members have missed two scheduled raises as management refuses to negotiate in a timely manner, while the bosses get pay increases every year.”
Media interested in coordinating an interview with the TWU can contact Alex Daugherty at adaugherty@twu.org.
###
The TWU represents more than 160,000 workers across the airline, railroad, transit, universities, utilities and service sectors.