Bus Workers Plan Strike
This story has been updated. Read more here.
Worcester Regional Transit Authority union bus drivers plan to strike beginning tonight after failing to agree with management on a contract.
Chris Bruce, Local 22 Amalgamated Transit Union business agent and treasurer, said contract negotiations led by an independent mediator broke down Thursday.
Management put forward a proposal that would have increased the share union employees have to pay toward health insurance as well as a 1-percent increase in wages. The union rejected that proposal.
Stephen O'Neil, WRTA administrator, said a strike is "the last thing we want to see."
He said given the "dire fiscal circumstances" of the state and national economy, the WRTA's most recent offer is a "fair deal." He added that the WRTA is open to additional dialogue with the union.
Local 22's contract expired on June 30. On Aug. 9, a majority of the WRTA drivers called in sick on the same day, severely limiting service.
Bruce said he doesn't know how long the strike will last, but he said the union does not plan to go back to work until a new contract is signed.
During the expected strike, O'Neil said only bus service for senior citizens will be running.
The WRTA serves 35 Central Massachusetts communities.
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