The labor union representing bus drivers in Washoe County says it has agreed and ratified a new three-year agreement with Keolis, avoiding a possible strike.
Teamsters Local 533 made the announcement on Wednesday on their Facebook page.Â
Keolis is the company that contracts with the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission to provide bus driver services. The labor union Teamsters 533 represents its drivers.
"This is a historic contract for our members who provide essential public transit services to the community. We made no concessions and secured significant wage increases, improved health and welfare benefits, and enhanced retirement security for our hardworking members," says Gary Watson, President of Teamsters Local 533.
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The labor union representing bus drivers in Washoe County is hinting at a strike, after negotiations for a new contract broke down this weekend.
"Keolis wants Reno/Sparks to look like this again after walking out on negotiations yesterday," the union posted on Sunday, with a picture of the October 2021 driver strikes.
Keolis is the company that contracts with the Washoe County Regional Transportation Commission to provide bus driver services. The labor union Teamsters 533 represents its drivers.
Because drivers are working under an expired contract, "There could be a strike at any moment," Gary Watson, president of Teamsters 533, told 2 News Nevada on Monday. "Keolis could lock the employees out as well."
He added that the contract Keolis is proposing does not include raises that keep up with inflation.
"It's not feasible with the wages that are being offered," he said.
Keolis seems to disagree.
"At the end of negotiations on Saturday, we made an offer that included the following increases over the next three years: approximately 29% in wage increases, a $3,000 ratification bonus for employees, increased pension contributions totaling $1.00 per hour, increased employer contributions for employee health care benefits, and other favorable changes to employment terms and conditions for employees," a spokesperson wrote.
Both the union and Keolis say they're committed to finalizing a new contract, but neither indicated how soon.
