Laserfiche WebLink
<br /> I ~ 1_ietropolitan Council <br /> I Working for the Region. P1.o.nning for the Future <br /> . September 15, 1995 ...;.;~ -J 1. <br /> ...-...... <br /> 0'::..' <br /> . Dear City Manager, <br /> . Here is the latest information on a possible work stoppage and <br /> interruption in transit service provided by the Metropolitan <br /> Council to communities throughout the region. <br /> I Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union, representing bus drivers <br /> and mechanics, voted on Saturday, Sept. 9 to authorize a strike ::or <br /> Oct. 9 or earlier if union leaders deem it necesary. Because of a <br /> I !:'9quired lO-day cooling off perj,od, the earliest tb".t a strike <br /> could take place is Sept. 22. I have instructed our negotiating <br /> team to clear their calendars and work toward settlement within the <br /> I financial limitations and service parameters facing the Council. <br /> We hope that state-mediated talks will result in a settlemen~. <br /> . A strike will benefit no one. Should there be a strike, no transit <br /> service for about 97 percent of the region would be available. This <br /> is a substantial impact on customers who ride Transit Operations <br /> .. buses 220,000 times each business day. Many of these bus customers <br /> live In your communi ty, and depend on transit to get to work, <br /> school and appointments. Also, there would be a dramatic impact on <br /> general traffic congestion and overall air quality, affecting your <br /> I community. For our employees who work in the Council's Transit <br /> Operations area, and those of us who are colleagues and co-workers, <br /> the threat of a strike is also damaging to productivity and morale. <br /> I The main issues in this impasse are the ability to change work <br /> rules, so that we can be more flexible and competitive in providing <br /> I service, and the hiring of more part-time drivers to match the <br /> peaks in service. As you are well aware, during this time of <br /> shrinking public dollars, we need to live within our means. .n. <br /> I shortfall of $10 million to adequately maintain the current transit <br /> system adds to this difficult situation. <br /> I We are committed ~o resolving these issues quickly to re~ain the <br /> public's trust and expectations for re~iable and efficient regional <br /> transit service. Your interest is appreciated and I ask that you <br /> share this update with colleages and elected officials. <br /> I <br /> I <br /> .- i istrator <br /> . 230 East Fifth Street St. Paul, Minnesota 55101-1634 (612) 291-6359 Fa.x 291-6550 TDO/TIT 291.0904 :vIerro Info Line 229-3780 <br /> All Equal Opp:lmmity E:mp~er <br />