PVTA drivers may strike as contract talks stall

Contract talks between the union representing Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus drivers and the operations management company that contracts with PVTA have stalled, prompting the union to authorize a strike if needed.

Contract talks between the union representing Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus drivers and the operations management company that contracts with PVTA have stalled, prompting the union to authorize a strike if needed. GAZETTE FILE PHOTO

By Staff Report

Published: 08-27-2024 11:43 AM

SPRINGFIELD — The Pioneer Valley Transit Authority said Monday that it is preparing for a potential strike by bus drivers should negotiations for a new contract falter.

The transit authority said that it has been informed by DGR Management Inc., the management company that it contracts with to operate its fixed-route service, that the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 448 has authorized a strike vote.

“A majority strike vote does not necessarily mean the union will go on strike, only that the members have empowered the bargaining unit leadership to do so,” the PVTA said in a statement.

DGR Management and Local 448 have been in contract negotiations since March.

The PVTA is not involved in any labor negotiations between its service operations contractors and labor unions. Bus drivers and mechanics are employed by Springfield Area Transit Company, the fixed route contractor and are not employees of the PVTA.

The state’s fiscal 2025 budget has allocated $10 million more than last fiscal year to all regional transit authorities for operating assistance. PVTA’s share of this is approximately $3 million. Based upon this increase to PVTA’s operating funds, DGR Management made a final offer to the union on Aug. 7 for a three-year contract.

According to PVTA’s statement, the offer includes, but is not limited to, wage increases of 10% over the three-year contract period. As proposed to the union, year one the new top driver rate would be $32.81 an hour. Year 2, the top driver rate would be $33.63 an hour and Year 3, the top driver rate would be $34.47 an hour.

In addition to the wage adjustments, other highlights of the proposal include: an additional 5% on top of the regular hourly rate for all weekend hours worked; increased pension benefits; changes to salary schedules that would allow drivers to reach the top hourly rate after two years of work rather than the current five years, and the addition of vision insurance to the offered benefits package, the PVTA said.

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“PVTA is cognizant of the possible ramifications the labor vote may have on our riders,” the statement reads. “Our passengers rely on PVTA’s transportation system to get them to work, essential appointments, school and more. Most importantly, few have other options to meet their transportation needs.”

The transit authority is hopeful an agreement will be reached without interruptions in service.