Beaumont transit workers have voted down a contract offer from the city’s transportation contractor and have given union leadership the green light for a strike if negotiations break down.
The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) announced Monday morning that members of Local 1031 unanimously rejected what First Transit has called its “final offer” for a new contract.
According to union leadership, 69% of eligible voters in the local cast a vote, all of which were against the offer and in favor of authorizing a potential strike.
A vote to authorize a strike doesn’t mean one will necessarily happen, but it gives leadership with the ATU permission from members to initiate one if other options in negotiations fail. Most contracts and agreements between unions and employers require some kind of notice before a strike..
“The last thing we want to do is impact our riders, but if that’s what we have to do to get city leaders to stop treating us like dirt, we are prepared to do so,” Arlon Jackon, local 1031 president and business agent, said in a statement.
First Transit was hired by the city of Beaumont last year to take over management of the transit system after the former provider declined to seek renewal of its contract.
The Enterprise has reached out to the company for comment on this developing story.
Members held an informational picket in May to highlight issues the union have said its encountered since negotiations with the company began in October of last year.
The union has previously noted demands for employees that include a wage increase, provisions to ensure job security and safety improvements.
jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com
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