GRTC to Keep Buses Rolling
GRTC says it is prepared to keep buses rolling should there be a transit strike, in the wake of a vote over the weekend by union workers not to accept a new contract.
GRTC says it’s a tough economy it is trying to save jobs and benefits by freezing salaries and hiring.
Clary: For the membership to vote that down we’re just very, very puzzled.
GRTC’s Kathy Shaw Clary. Experienced bus drivers get $20 an hour and they are apparently good with that. But Union President Deloris Coker says they are concerned about entry-level workers.
Coker: We are concerned about the $11 an hour.
GRTC gets 60% of its funding from federal, state, county and city funds…all of whom are facing budget crises.
Bus Driver: Well, I understand the economy’s bad.
Bus Driver: The State has claimed their budget, the Federal operations are cutting their budget and the City is cutting their budget.
Bus Driver: Single mothers with dependents cannot really function based upon their income.
Both sides have agreed to go back to the bargaining table. GRTC says it’s ready to keep buses rolling if it doesn’t work out. If there is a strike, it will be the first in 34 years.
Charles Fishburne, WCVE News.
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