

The union is seeking the same coverage and terms as under its previous contract. The fact finder recommended 2% pay increases each year. Metro proposes a first-year pay hike of 2%, following by 1.5% increases in the second and third years. The union is seeking pay raises of 3% in each of the three years. The fact finder report covers, among other things: State fact finder issues contract recommendations Both the union and Metro are proposing three-year contracts. The report recommended contractual terms on such things as pay, health insurance, the use of video inside buses and more. The fact-finding report was not accepted by the union, according to Butler-Justers. The resulting report on unresolved contract matters, issued in late August, was accepted by the Metro board at its Aug. In July, both parties agreed to the use of a "fact finder" from the State Employment Relations Board to review their respective positions and make recommendations. "We are working very hard together to schedule further discussions and come to a fair and equitable agreement so that all the parties involved in the communities we serve can continue the service that we offer." "Obviously, due to the nature of the negotiating process, out of respect for our TWA membership and fair negotiating practices, I cannot provide specific details regarding the bulk of negotiations," said Molly Becker, Metro's director of public relations and marketing. Metro is hopeful of reaching an agreement with the union, a spokeswoman said. The union and metro have not reached agreement on major issues such as pay, health insurance and more, she said. The union has not given notice that it intends to strike, Metro said Monday.Īfter a year of talking and reaching tentative agreements on some issues, "Thursday should be the final round," Butler-Justers said. Thursday, don't show progress, Butler-Justers said. It's possible TWA leadership could call a strike if the upcoming negotiations, scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m.


Strike authorization does not mean a union will go on strike approval authorizes union leaders to call a strike if they decide one is necessary. 11, said Crystalynne Butler-Justers, union vice president and a bus driver since 1993. Union members approved a strike authorization vote on Sept. Metro RTA provides public bus services and senior transportation in Summit County. A federal mediator has been working with both parties since talks began. The union, Transport Workers of America Local 1, and Metro have been negotiating for more than a year since the union's contract expired July 31, 2020. The union representing nearly 280 Metro RTA drivers, customer service and vehicle service reps in Akron says it is heading into what should be end-stage contract negotiations Thursday with the transportation authority.
