"Keolis management’s 'last best offer' would result in a three-year pay cut for workers already struggling to afford skyrocketing rent, food, clothing and medical costs in today’s volatile market," Teamsters Local 533 President Gary Watson said.

Keolis says 9 out of 10 of its members voted against the offer. 

Now that the strike is called, operating buses will continue their routes until the buses reach a location where the RTC’s equipment can be secured and the passengers can disembark safely.

“Today, the brave men and women of Teamsters 533 once again head to the picket line in their fight to secure basic respect and protections on the job. Keolis Transit once again has failed to commit to treating our brothers and sisters with dignity, and we stand firmly behind Teamsters 533 in this third strike,” Susie Martinez, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Nevada State AFL-CIO said. “Keolis Transit continues to treat its workers with a flagrant disregard for their wellbeing and it is clear that the corporation is unfit to carry out the needs of the public transit system without relying on worker abuse. We implore RTC Washoe to end its contract with the corporation if they continue to disrespect our brothers and sisters who keep Northern Nevada moving every day.”

RTC says it will run contingency transit service, similar to what was done during the previous two strikes.

“I am very disappointed that a third strike is occurring. We are going to do everything we can to continue to get people where they need to go,” said RTC Executive Director Bill Thomas. "I know that people are frustrated with the RTC for not being able to prevent these strikes. As head of the RTC, it is frustrating for me, personally.  However, the RTC is not a party to the negotiations between Teamsters and Keolis and we are not in control of whether or not people decide to work.  These negotiations, by law, can only be between the Teamsters and Keolis."

Today, I am going to talk about Keolis’ most recent offer and the Teamsters’ decision to reject that offer - and what that means for our community’s transit system. 

Teamsters 533 response to RTC Washoe’s Executive Director Bill Thomas’ statement regarding the 3rd RTC Washoe Transit Strike.

It’s frustrating but not surprising, he is not part of the contract negotiations but discussing innerworkings of contract negotiations that he has claimed to not be privy to.  This has been exactly the problem all along whether it has been mask enforcement, unfair discipline, or gross mismanagement Mr. Thomas and the RTC have only seen things through the lens of Keolis and not through the eyes of their employees.  His remarks are inaccurate, unsupportive of the employees and will likely cause further fallout to an exhausted, unappreciated, and dwindling workforce who have been leaving for brighter,  better paying opportunities by the bus load. 

 

To offset the disruption caused by the current strike, and potential future strikes, the RTC will be offering the services below for free whenever a strike is called.

The following services will be free for the duration of the strike.

The Somersett/Verdi FlexRIDE contingency service now includes a point of interest at 4th Street and Lake Street, across the street from RTC 4th Street Station.

Expanded hours for customer assistance:

  • Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm: please call RTC Customer Service at (775)348-RID.
  • Monday through Friday, 6-8am and 5-8pm: Please call (775)335-0035 and staff will help you book a taxi.”

 

Limited fixed-route transit service is running on some routes. Check rtcwashoe.com for updates, and contingency zones.

Limited RTC FlexRIDE: Limited FlexRIDE service is available in RTC’s regular FlexRIDE zones and added contingency zones. This service is limited on vehicles and drivers to operate the vehicles because of the regional labor shortage. Passengers should anticipate delays, leave plenty of time to get to their destination and to please be patient during the disruption of service. Use the RTC Washoe FlexRIDE app to book trips.

Passengers can call RTC Customer Service Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. for assistance. For regular transit passengers who need transportation, the following services are also available free of charge.

Taxi: Taxi service is available by calling the RTC at (775) 348-RIDE. The RTC will book the taxi trip for the customer. Passengers should anticipate delays due to regional driver labor shortages during the pandemic.

UberX: UberX vouchers are available to regular transit riders. For information and to request a voucher call the RTC at (775) 348-0477. Passengers should anticipate delays due to regional driver labor shortages during the pandemic.

UberX program details:

The RTC Washoe-Uber Emergency Rides voucher is valid for 10 Uber rides with a maximum of $20 per Uber ride. Any amount over $20 will be automatically charged to the user’s debit or credit card on file on their Uber account.

Eligible rides can be taken 24/7.

Vehicle type will apply only to UberX trips.

Service area: Eligible trips must start and end in the Reno-Sparks area. Trips that begin or end outside of the service area are not eligible.

Customers who know they will need after-hours transportation service during the strike are encouraged to call RTC during business hours.

For updates during the strike, please check rtcwashoe.com.

FLEXRIDE TRANSIT SERVICE:

Scheduling a FlexRIDE is done by using the RTC Washoe FlexRIDE app on your smartphone or tablet, or by calling a dispatcher at (775) 335-0035. Schedule your ride at your desired travel time, due to the current service disruption, please allow for increased wait times for pick-up and longer than normal drop-off times.