JTRAN workers in Jackson have issued a strike notice to MV Transportation, citing concerns over wages, working conditions, and proposed service changes.
The Amalgamated Transit Union, which represents JTRAN workers, sent the notice on June 12 after members voted to reject the company's latest contract proposal. Both sides now have 30 days to reach an agreement.
"We need fair wages — and that will be number one. We want no service interrupted, and we want better working conditions for the employees at JTRAN," said Charles Tornes Jr., president of ATU Local 1208.
Tornes said workers are concerned about pay, working conditions, and proposed service changes, including reduced routes and the elimination of Saturday service. For riders, another strike could make getting around the city much harder.
"It is entirely too hot for that. I’m not trying to be walking from here to there. Who wants to be walking all the way to County Line Road?" said bus commuter Amber Safford.
"And nobody really has money to be paying for Uber to go anywhere. Ubers are expensive," said Mary Walters, another bus commuter.
The union represents about 70 employees, including drivers, customer service workers, and cleaners. Workers are seeking a pay increase from roughly $23 to $26 an hour for the first year of the proposed three-year contract.
"Of course, you know, gas is going up significantly and it’s getting (expensive going) back and forth to work. So, an increase in pay helps all of that," said Sidney Tillis, a bus driver.
The union previously went on strike for 14 days in 2024 and hopes another walkout can be avoided.
The city has not approved any part of the proposal. In a statement, Jackson Mayor John Horhn said, "We are carefully evaluating both perspectives to see what makes the most sense for our riders, our workers, and our taxpayers."
Tornes said the workers' contract expired in December, and as negotiations continue, he hopes an agreement can be reached before the 30-day deadline.
Source: msn.com
