Bus drivers ratify three-year contract with MCTS

The vote results are in, and 81% of the Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 have voted to approve a new three-year contract with the Milwaukee County Transit System.

ATU Local 998 president James Macon released this statement: “While we are happy that the part-time language has been removed from the contract, it is unfortunate that it took County Executive Chris Abele and the Milwaukee County Transit System seven months, and a work stoppage to do it. Milwaukee’s transit system is the economic backbone of the region. Full-time communities need full-time, professional drivers. We will always fight for a fair contract that puts our riders first, retains full-time, professional transit workers, and moves Milwaukee forward. We are humbled by the solidarity shown to us from Milwaukee transit riders, labor unions, and community activists who stood with us throughout our fight for a fair contract. While we are happy that the part-time language has been removed from the contract, it is unfortunate that it took County Executive Chris Abele and the Milwaukee County Transit System seven months, and a work stoppage to do it. The fight is not over yet. We still have working conditions that need to be addressed. Bathroom breaks and security are two glaring issues that MCTS needs to improve in the coming period."