POUGHKEEPSIE – The potential strike
by the union representing Dutchess County LOOP bus drivers, mechanics,
office employees and bus washers has apparently been averted.
Teamsters Local 445 Business Agent Jerry Ebert said Friday night that
the members voted to strike if the company that operates the system —
First Group of Cincinnati, did not agree to return to the bargaining table.
The workers’ contract had expired on January 1.
Ebert said Saturday the company said it would resume negotiations, resulting
in the union calling off its threat to strike.
The two main obstacles in talks are wages and benefits, Ebert said. The
employees make between $12.97 and $20.42 per hour and have not had a raise
in three of the last four years, Ebert said. The company has offered a
percentage raise that would increase pay from 32 cents for the lowest
paid worker to 64 cents for the highest. “We need an equal raise
for all employees. It’s not fair to pay more to employees making
more.”
The Teamsters are also opposed to the bus company’s call for workers
to pay 20 percent of all health care costs to be in line with what county
workers pay.
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