Replacement of bus drivers in possible strike decried

Monday, May 13, 2002 | 9:26 a.m.

The Regional Transportation Commission should not allow its contract company to bring in replacement workers if there is a bus drivers strike, labor leaders said Friday.

"It's particularly shameful that private companies paid with public money are allowed to hire strike breakers," said Mike Slater, executive director of the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice, which supports and advises union groups in the Las Vegas area. "We all have a stake in public employees having living wages."

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1637 drivers and mechanics for the Citizens Area Transit system are battling ATC, the company operating the bus system, on terms for a new contract.

Union workers have authorized a strike and last week rejected a "final offer" from ATC. A federal mediator ordered the sides to have at least one meeting today to try to find a compromise.

ATC has promised to bring in replacement workers from some of its other operations. The company operates or manages about 20 systems coast to coast.

The local union has about 800 members who serve 51 area routes, providing transportation daily to about 150,000 people.

"We don't think local governments should use our tax dollars to hire replacement workers," said Danny Thompson, executive secretary-treasurer of the Nevada AFL-CIO. "They should go back and negotiate a real contract."

RTC officials have taken a hands-off approach to the negotiations, arguing that the issue is between the company and the union.

"The RTC hasn't made any policy decision related to hiring temporary workers," said RTC board member and Clark County Commissioner Chip Maxfield. "What I would hope is that there would be a speedy resolution to their issues.

"However, we have an obligation to the general public who depend on the buses to get to work. We cannot stop service because they are dependent on that service. They expect it and have every right to expect it."

There may be fewer passengers to pick up. Thompson and Culinary Union Political Director Glenn Arnodo said their members will likely honor picket lines if the drivers union strikes.

The Culinary Union claims about 50,000 members in Southern Nevada.

"I'm sure the members would have a great deal of support and sympathy" for the drivers, Arnodo said, particularly because one of the main concerns of the drivers -- a requirement that they begin paying for a portion of their health insurance -- is similarly a contentious point for Culinary workers.

Culinary is in negotiations with major Strip hotels and could vote Thursday to authorize a strike.

Thompson and Arnodo said their unions will not, however, arrange alternative transportation for the members who depend on the bus system.