Union members will meet Wednesday to reconsider a tentative agreement with COTA.
The Transport Workers Union Local #208 voted 270-238 Monday night to reject a proposal from COTA, which included a 7-percent wage increase over a three-year contract period.
The agreement also included a 2-percent reduction in the amount COTA has been contributing to employees’ Public Employees Retirement System accounts, according to COTA.
Union members were scheduled to begin deliberations on the matter again at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Union President Andrew Jordan said that he expected members to accept the agreement this time around.
According to a COTA release, because of the strike, there was no fixed-route bus service on Monday or Tuesday. Paratransit services, including Mainstream, Will Call and non-ASA trips, were not affected by the strike.
Mayor Michael Coleman asked union members to reconsider their decision to reject the agreement on Tuesday. Coleman said that he asked union members to vote on the package as soon as possible and also asked COTA officials to reaffirm its support.
Jordan said that the battle about wages and pension has turned into one of safety and health benefits.
Watch 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for continuing coverage.
Previous Stories:
July 2, 2012: COTA, Union Workers Reach Tentative Agreement; Union To Continue Monday Strike
June 22, 2012: Union Representing COTA Bus Drivers Files Intent To Strike
June 20, 2012: Union Approves Possible COTA Workers Strike
Comments