Members of Amalgamated Transit Union 1005, representing Minneapolis and St. Paul, voted in favor of a strike on Monday, 94% to 6%. While this does not mean a strike is imminent, it does clear the way for union leadership to enact a strike if deemed necessary.
Union leadership cites cost-of-living adjustments as the reason for a possible strike. The ATU has not had cost-of-living adjustments guaranteed in its contract since 1984 and demands the inclusion of those adjustments in the new contract.
“Personally, I will not be voting ‘yes’ on any contract offer that does not include COLA. ATU 1005 members deserve nothing less,” ATU 1005 president Ryan Timlin wrote in a newsletter to local union members.
Bargaining between the ATU and Met Council began in March and no agreement was made before their contract expired July 31.
“We need to fight back and escalate our strategy to not just negotiate any new contract, but to negotiate a strong contract with COLA+ now!” Timlin wrote.
A 2018 survey from the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System reported that 4.58% of St. Thomas students rely on public transportation to get to campus.
In a social media poll conducted by TommieMedia on Tuesday, 29% of respondents indicated that they would be affected by a possible strike.
Approximately 400 student bus passes were sold this year, according to Parking Services. Many students also pay out of pocket or purchase reloadable transit cards sold in the St. Thomas bookstore.
St. Thomas’ campus shuttle is privately contracted through Lorenz Bus Service and would not be affected if the union were to strike.
Public transit is still running and no specific timeline has been announced for the possible strike.
Adam Mueller can be reached at muel7541@stthomas.edu.