On Monday, mediations between bus company owners and the union representing bus drivers in the metro Phoenix area has begun. Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ruth McGregor is reported to be the one who will serve as the middle man between two parties.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Ruth McGregor has been hired to provide fair solutions to both parties and she is hopeful that the collective bargaining agreement will avoid bus driver strike. She served on Arizona Supreme Court from 1998 through 2009 and was Chief Justice from 2005 through her retirement in 2009. She was known to have successfully assisted previous transit mediations.
Councilwoman Thelda Williams, who presides the city's Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee said that 'she is pleased to see Justice McGregor's involvement in the mentioned mediation'. Williams also added that they trust McGregor and that her integrity, professionalism, and experience is invaluable. They believe that both parties need to come together to find a solution so that both parties can continue to serve the transportation needs of the community.
Greg Stanton, who is the mayor of Phoenix said that it's imperative both Transdev and ATU work as hard as possible to avoid strike. Stanton said, "Phoenix residents deserve uninterrupted transit service, and both sides have a responsibility to get work and reach a deal." The mayor added that he is also glad that Chief Justice McGregor will take care of the negotiation and he is thankful that the judge agreed to mediate toward a solution.
It has been reported that Union workers have accused Transdev of unfair labor practices. On June 30, 2015, Transdev bus operator contract expired and was then extended to September 30, which was the time the Union members voted to authorize a strike. The Union includes 650 bus operators and returned to contracts talks with Transdev last month after a six-week hiatus.
City officials suggests that bus passengers on Transdev's 43 routes should temporarily consider alternate transportation plans until such issue is resolved and arguments be quenched. The most recent meeting between two parties happened back in December 15. The meeting was held at the office of the federal mediator Ron Collotta. For the meantime, passengers can check the status of all bus services at the government of Phoenix's website.
Both Collotta and McGregor will work hand in hand to assist Transdev and ATU in reaching a new, fair, and satisfying agreement. At this time, all bus services are currently running as normal. The said negotiation of a collective bargaining agreement between Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1433, and one of the city's contracted bus service providers, Transdev will begin January 4.
