In a big step forward for public transport in Charlotte, the overwhelming majority of the bus operators from the Charlotte Area Transit System voted for a new contract-layered with the prospect of a strike that could have crippled service to thousands of daily commuters. The shadow of such a strike had hung over the city for a while now, particularly for public service, but with this agreement, there would be a seamless continuation of regular bus operations.
Saturday’s vote saw 204 members in favor of the deal compared with just 11 against it. This strong show of support by the union members is an indication that they were happy with the new terms. The agreement comes after months of tense, hard negotiations between the SMART Union and RATP Dev, which has been contracted to manage CATS operations. There were lots of hurdles in getting to an agreement that finally resolved most concerns of the bus operators.
However, perhaps the biggest item on the agreement is the increase in wages: bus operators are expected to earn up to $3 more an hour. That increase in wages provides greater economic stability for the workers in the wake of continuously rising living costs. Apart from money, the contract provides, in general, better health insurance coverage, night differential pay, and double-time pay for holiday work. Another major change is the shift in how the work bidding process works; it would henceforth be cast in a fairer form, thus bringing to light more transparency.
Other corollary changes included raising the salary retroactively to July of the previous year. Such an action goes a long way in recognizing the hard work put in by bus operators over past months. Juneteenth was also included in addition to marking holidays, with a further nod toward a commitment to celebrate cultural and historical milestones.
It took an immense nine months to bring the negotiations, which preceded the vote, to closure. Calvin Studivant, vice president of the Transportation Division Bus Department of the SMART Union, praised the committee for its steadfastness. “Negotiations took almost a long nine months, yet the committee stayed right on top of it and succeeded,” said Studivant. The difficult negotiation process shows the commitment and will of the union to secure a good deal for the workers.
Image Credit : Getty ImagesThe threat of the transit strike had many Charlotteans on edge, with many of the residents relying on CATS buses to get to work, school, and to complete other necessary activities. It was a huge relief for Stephanie Morrison, a regular bus rider. “If there’s no transport, half the people will have no means to go to work,” she said. Her statement encapsulates just how important public transportation is in a city that has many dependent on it to earn a livelihood.
Another commuter Jeremy Benson said the bus system is critical for the community. “They are a very vital part of this community…I’m thankful they finally agreed on reasonable terms.”
This deal comes as a great sigh of relief for the thousands of riders who will continue riding CATS free from the fear of being disrupted.
At-Large Charlotte City Council Member Dimple Ajmera hailed the ratification of the contract to be a “huge turning point” for the city’s public transportation system.
She thanked both the union and RATP Dev for their efforts in reaching an agreement which would ensure that reliable bus service will continue for the community. Ajmera’s remarks shed light on the larger context of the agreement, not merely for the bus operators but for all citizens of Charlotte.
The relations between CATS management and the union had been difficult over the past few months, particularly after the overwhelming vote of the union members to strike early this January. This 256-14 vote came because of the proposed cut in pensions and family health insurance benefits. The proposed cuts were perceived as an imminent threat to the prosperity of CATS bus operators, and many saw the likelihood of a transit strike. Under federal law, however, a 30-day cooling-off period was in effect before any strike could happen. This allowed both sides to bargain and to reach an accord or resolution.
The signing of the contract means averted strike, ending hopes for better future labor relations. This is a new chapter in the labor negotiations between CATS management and the bus operators. It guarantees that the vital transportation services depend on so many citizens will not strike.
For the people of Charlotte, open public transport stands as a testament to overcoming difficulties. Public transport is a lifeline for many, and the assurance that the buses would still run normally provides a little bit of stability and normalcy. Though the new contract addresses the concerns of the bus operators, it will also see about meeting the community’s needs.
In the end, the successful ratification of the new contract is testament to the power of negotiation and compromise. An impending transit strike, which seemed inevitable, has been duly avoided, and both the bus operators and public can now move on ways with new vigor. With Charlotte’s constant evolution and growth, this agreement acts as a reminder to keep in place fair labor practices and an endorsement of public transportation in support of the local economy.