In a recent update from the ongoing labor negotiations, a union representing several workers of Intercity Transit, including bus operators, dial-a-lift dispatchers, and customer care representatives, is on the brink of entering mediation. The lawyer for Intercity Transit, identified as Jonathan Lee from Summit Law, proposed the mediation during their latest bargaining session, according to union spokesperson Michael Cornelius. However, Cornelius, who is also an international vice president of the Amalgamated Transit Union, expressed reservations about this move.
The negotiations, which started back in November 2024, have continued under the terms of the previous contract, which expired at the end of last year. Still in effect, these terms provide a temporary framework as both parties work towards a new agreement. This development was reported during a board meeting of the Intercity Transit Authority held last week.
Cornelius articulated the union’s stance, emphasizing their desire to resolve the negotiations without third-party mediation, which he argues could further prolong the process. He highlighted that progress was being made, with negotiations now concentrated on two primary issues.
The first issue remains the wage increase, especially for the second and third years of the upcoming contract. The parties have reached a preliminary agreement on a 7% increase for 2025. However, discrepancies arise for the subsequent years, with the union pushing for a 5% annual increase and the agency countering with offers of 3.5% and 3%, respectively.
The second sticking point involves the contractual definitions of terms like “serious” and “accidents”. Cornelius believes that these could be revisited post-ratification, indicating a potential area for compromise after the main economic terms are settled.
During his plea to the board, Cornelius stressed the board’s authority and responsibility in guiding the agency’s actions, suggesting that they should have a more direct involvement in the negotiation process. He questioned the motivation behind opting for mediation, suggesting that while it might not benefit either party significantly, it could profit the law firm representing the agency.
In a show of solidarity, Cornelius was not alone in his appeals. He was accompanied by a strong contingent of 17 supporters who voiced their backing during the public comment period. This group included fellow union members and local residents who attended the meeting to express their support for the workers.
To conclude the session, board member Kelly Von Holtz proposed a behind-closed-doors meeting to delve deeper into these labor and collective bargaining issues. Initially scheduled for a brief 15 minutes, the urgency and complexity of the discussion warranted an extension, with the closed session expanding to an additional hour to accommodate thorough deliberations.
As this situation continues to evolve, the eventual outcomes will significantly impact both the livelihoods of the workers involved and the operational efficiency of Intercity Transit. Both the union and the agency are at a critical juncture, where their decisions could shape labor relations in the transportation sector for years to come.
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