Milwaukee County Transit Union says safety, better wages are top priorities during contract negotiations

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- Amalgamated union members demonstrated Monday in front of Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) headquarters as they seek a new contract.

"Right now, I'm trying to calm them down from not going on strike. They're ready to walk now. They're ready to walk today," Amalgamated Transit Union Vice President Michael Brown said. "We're not here trying to strike or shut down the city, that's not our goal. Our goal is to get this city moving and to do it in the right way."

Union members are hoping for a better contract offer from the transit system when negotiations resume in November, however, a strike could be the next step.

"We're serious about this contract, and we're not going to stop until we get what we want," Sandra Cooper, a 16-year employee of MCTS, said.

Union members want higher wages to keep up with inflation and the rising cost of living.

"We're the biggest city in the state of Wisconsin, but we're the lowest paid in Wisconsin," Brown said.

Affordable health insurance is also on the table.

"We don't want to work to only pay health benefits," Cooper said. "We want to work and still be able to take care of our families."

Security is a concern for drivers as some claim they have been assaulted on county buses. They also claim there have been little to no consequences for their assailants.

"So many drivers have been assaulted that the media does not even know about," Cooper said. "[Passengers] know they can assault us, and nothing is done about it. All they get is a slap on their hand, and they just get on the next bus...if we protect ourselves, then we're getting suspended. So how fair is that?"

Negotiations will resume next month, and union members tell CBS 58 they are willing to wait as long as needed for what they deem a fair contract.

"If y'all say that we run this city, then act like we run this city and support us," Cooper said.