August 5, 2015

Sun Tran Drivers, Mechanics Contract To Expire Wednesday

Bus operator and Teamsters union continue negotiations, strike possible

Public transportation, bus, Sun Tran SPOT
Maria Inés Taracena, AZPM

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Sun Tran is planning to operate a handful of routes if it and the Teamsters union cannot agree to a new contract before 11:59 p.m. Wednesday and a work stoppage results.

The contract between the bus operator and the drivers and mechanics union expired last weekend, but was extended to allow continued negotiations.

In a news release last weekend, both parties said they were hopeful for an agreement. Sun Tran representative Kandi Young said the company is asking riders to plan ahead just in case there is a strike.

“What we are encouraging our passengers to do is just plan ahead just in case. We do have information on our website and posted at the transit centers providing numerous other transportation options," said Young, the Sun Tran marketing and communications director.

The negotiations affect Sun Tran drivers, mechanics and fuel operators, she said. They do not affect administrators or other services such as the Sun Link Streetcar, Sun Van service, or Sun Shuttles.

If there is no agreement and a work stoppage is ordered, Young said former drivers who are now administrators will drive some of the routes during shorter hours than normal.

"We will be able to provide limited service," Young said. "At this point we're looking at approximately 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday we would be able to provide service on routes 8 serving Broadway, 11 on Avernon, route 16 on Oracle and Ina and route 18 serving South Sixth (Avenue)."

The last Sun Tran driver strike was in 2010.

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