The former Poughkeepsie
buses, now part of the county fleet, could be idled once again
POUGHKEEPSIE – Bus drivers working for Dutchess Public Transit, including the Poughkeepsie city buses taken over by the county last summer, could go on strike as soon as the beginning of next month.
The 100 drivers are members of Teamsters Local 445. Their contract with the county expires at the end of the month and negotiations are at an impasse.
Teamsters’ negotiator Jerry Ebert told Mid-Hudson News the workers cannot do it any more under current conditions.
“We are severely underpaid. Most of the guys make only about $22 an hour and their pension is horrible,” Ebert said. After 30 years of service, they are only getting $600 a month, so we are looking to really improve the pay and the pension and we feel this is our opportunity to do it.”
Ebert said the workers feel like the “neglected stepchild” in this situation. Workers will vote on Sunday and if they authorize a strike, Ebert said it could come in a matter of days.
County officials could not be reached for comment Monday evening.
