Amid contract negotiations with transportation management company Keolis North America, almost all members of Capital Metro’s union voted to authorize a strike if deemed necessary, according to a news release from Amalgamated Transit Union.
CapMetro workers rejected the final offer from Keolis on June 30, and 99.5% of those represented by ATU Local 1091, the union’s local branch, voted in favor of the strike.
“This vote sends a powerful message that our members are unified and strong,” Local 1091 President Brent Payne said in the news release. “We’re sick and tired of being sick and tired, and we’re taking a stand now against the company’s disrespect.”
CapMetro began its contract with Keolis in January 2024. According to the news release from ATU, Keolis was supposed to have a regular wage increase at the beginning of this year, but did not.
“We have continued to engage in good-faith bargaining and remain committed to maintaining a collaborative and respectful relationship,” Keolis wrote in a statement. “We are working with our union partners to schedule dates in early July to continue negotiations in an effort to reach an agreement that is in the best interest of our employees, the union, and our company.”
In the news release, ATU International President John Costa said Keolis needs to make a serious offer for transit workers in a city growing as much as Austin. In addition, more than 75% of CapMetro employees cannot currently afford the cost of living in Austin, according to the release.
“While we don’t want this strike to happen for the sake of our riders and the community, Keolis is responsible for this with their bullying and regressive bargaining tactics,” Costa said in the news release.
Workers recently refused overtime in a “period of rest” to protest for an updated and fair contract, according to the ATU news release.
“The men and women who operate and maintain CapMetro are essential to our system, and we value and rely on their contributions every day as part of the CapMetro team,” CapMetro wrote in a statement.
