Vote pushed back: Union leaders say bus drivers to vote on latest contract offer Oct. 5th

MILWAUKEE -- The members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 will not vote on the latest contract offer from the Milwaukee County Transit System until Monday, October 5th. That word came in a news release on Tuesday morning, September 29th.

Union leaders originally planned to have their members vote on the contract on Wednesday, September 30th. But they indicated in the news release that they want to give every member adequate time to make an informed decision on the latest contract proposal.

Details of the contract (according to MCTS):

Increased wages


    Slight increase in health care costs


      Part-time drivers


        James Macon, President of ATU Local 998 released the following statement on Friday:

        “Today MCTS offered us a 2 year proposal with language on part-timers that was significantly worse than their previous proposal. MCTS insists on increasing the number of lower wage, part-time transit workers, but does not want to limit the number of hours they work. We see this as an attempt to exploit Milwaukee workers by allowing them to work full-time hours without any benefits.”


        ATU Local 998 leaders say they'll hold a member-only "Contract Information Session" on Wednesday, September 30th at their union hall.

        Union leaders say this session will ensure every member is able to make an informed decision when the union votes on the contract on Monday.

        The "Contract Information Session" is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.