Bus drivers, dispatchers and support staff for the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission’s RTC/RIDE system have been working without a contract since June.
In early summer, representatives of the management company that runs the publicly owned transit system reiterated their “last, best and final offer,” which the workers overwhelmingly turned down 103-2 on June 15. That vote also constituted a renewed strike authorization under the union constitution. Management then agreed to return to the bargaining table.
Before talks adjourned late Wednesday, the union offered not to strike and work under the old contract through Nov. 15. Local 533 also offered to schedule negotiations for later this month and in October. RTC RIDE general manager Mike Steele said he is considering the union’s contract extension offer.
The union filed charges of illegal unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board, which added two additional counts after factfinding. The NLRB had prepared a draft order holding in the union’s favor when it was reversed by higherups.
Steele called the last two days of talks “productive,” saying that the two sides are close on some issues but that they are still “far apart” on the wage issue. Steele said the union is standing firm on its proposal of a 15-percent wage increase over three years, while the RTC is offering 9 percent over three years.
“I’m very hopeful we’ll continue this momentum,” Steele said. “I’m confident we’ll be able to reach an agreement.”
Teamsters secretary-treasurer Mark Tracy echoed limited optimism, saying there has been “some agreement.” However, he likened the negotiations to a “war against terrorism.”
“We still, however, have a long way to go and I have reached out to the (International Brotherhood of Teamsters) for their help in dealing with what I believe is an attempt by this company to eliminate your Union protection,” Tracy said in a letter to union members.
Tribune columnist Andrew Barbano contributed to this report.
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