200 Bus Workers in Washoe County Vote to
Strike for a Fair Contract
RENO, Nev.,
July 3,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bus drivers, technicians,
dispatchers, road supervisors, and utility workers at Keolis
Transit represented by Teamsters Local 533 have voted to authorize
a strike. The 200 Teamsters provide transportation for the Regional
Transportation Commission (RTC) of Washoe
County, which is Northern
Nevada's largest public transportation provider.
"Teamsters are the backbone of RTC, and they deserve a contract
that treats them as such," said Gary
Watson, President of Local 533. "These workers know their
worth and we will not settle for a subpar agreement that has
concessionary proposals attached to it. Striking is always a last
resort, but we have done it before, and we will do it again if
needed to get the best possible contract for Teamsters at RTC."
Local 533 and Keolis Transit met 10 times over the course of the
last few weeks to negotiate a fair collective bargaining agreement.
Over the weekend, Keolis Transit walked away from the bargaining
table after they made a last, best, and final offer that would
require concessions from workers and weaken attendance and leave of
absence policies, which are nonstarters for the members.
During contract negotiations in 2021, Local 533 struck Keolis
Transit three times in four months after the company refused to pay
wages that keep up with cost-of-living increases.
"It's time for Keolis to stop playing these games and offer
workers a fair deal," Watson said.
Chartered in 1934, Teamsters Local 533 represents about 2,300
workers in various trades throughout northern Nevada and eastern California. For more information, visit
teamsters533.org.
Contact:
Matt McQuaid, (202)
624-6877
mmcquaid@teamster.org
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SOURCE Teamsters Local 533