LOUISVILLE, Ky. — After months of contract negotiations and a threatened strike, TARC workers on Wednesday voted to ratify their new union contract. In a news release, the union representing TARC workers said 78% of voting members chose "yes."

ATU Local 1447 represents more than 430 TARC employees, including bus operators, and maintenance and radio dispatch workers. 

Local 1447 President/Business Agent Lillian Brents cautioned there are still issues to address, but ratification is a step in the right direction.

“There is not one cent in this agreement that we didn’t earn the hard way, and 1447 members should be proud, but that doesn’t mean the debt owed to us is fully paid,” Brents said.  

The Union, Brents said, will shift its focus to the incoming Mayor Craig Greenberg and Metro City Council, to work towards improving the working conditions, riding conditions, and safety standards of TARC going forward.

“We still need to see key pieces of the contract implemented, including the FTA required safety committee, and explore options for increasing funding to expand public transit," they added.

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.

Workers had approved a strike that would have begun just before Thanksgiving, but a tentative agreement was reached before then.