LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Public transit workers reached a tentative agreement on Thursday that averts a looming strike as Thanksgiving approaches.
What You Need To Know
- TARC workers reached an agreement that averts a pending strike
- The union negotiated with leadership for months on new contracts, and had threatened to strike ahead of the holidays
- Over 95% of TARC workers voted to allow the strike, which ultimately won't materialize assuming the tentative agreement is approved
After months of contract negotiations and threats of a strike, TARC workers, unionized through ATU Local 1447, agreed to a tentative contract with leadership that union reps called "fair and just."
“This has been a long fight and while there is more work to be done, we have negotiated a tentative agreement that we can present to the members of our union and recommend a ‘yes’ vote,” said ATU Local president Lillian Brents. “Our members have fought hard for a contract that meets their needs and we believe this contract does that.”
Over 95% of TARC workers voted to allow the strike, which ultimately won't materialize assuming the tentative agreement is approved.
Over the past few months, the union held numerous rallies with riders and community allies in their campaign for a new contract. Workers were demanding equal wage increases for all, stronger safety protections and the creation of an apprenticeship program in the maintenance department.
The union will be conducting a ratification vote of the agreement by the entire membership after Thanksgiving.
“I am extremely proud of the strength, unity, and solidarity our members showed in their campaign to get this fair and just contract,” said ATU International President John Costa.
The TARC Board will also need to vote to ratify the agreement.