Drivers union, CAT schedule new session

Wednesday, May 15, 2002 | 9:12 a.m.

Bus drivers and the management company for the Citizens Area Transit system will meet Thursday to resume negotiations on a new contract.

The two sides met Monday and Tuesday for daylong talks to resolve the contract issue. About 800 drivers and mechanics have been without a contract since the end of last year.

Both the management company for the local bus service, ATC, and Amalgamated Transit Local 1637 have offered contract proposals.

ATU President Frank Opdyke said drivers have been close to a strike in the last few weeks but the fact that talks are continuing is a good sign.

He could not say when or if a strike will occur.

"Everyday you meet and negotiate you probably make some progress," Opdyke said. "It's difficult for the members. They expect some kind of action here pretty soon."

Federal mediator David Martinez said no work action could occur at least through Thursday.

ATC, the management company, has promised to bring in replacement workers if drivers and mechanics strike.

Officials with the Regional Transportation Commission, the agency responsible for the bus system, have said their concern is to keep the system's 51 routes operating on a full schedule. The bus system provides transportation to about 150,000 people a day, or 4.5 percent of Clark County's daily commuters.