Transit unions agree to contract extensions; bus service running with changes on July 26th‏

Transit Negotiations Update Friday, July 23, 4:20 p.m.:
Transit Labor Unions Agree to extend talks to August 15, 2010.

Labor negotiations are continuing between Phoenix’s transit operations contractor Veolia Transportation Service and its labor unions: the International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 428 (mechanics) and Teamsters Local 104 (maintenance staff) have both agreed to an August 15, 2010 extension.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local No.1433 (bus operators) has a labor negotiations extension until the end of September 2010.

You can get more information about the negotiations at www.phoenix.gov/publictransit/strikeinfo.html

Veolia operates 33 of the Valley’s 99 bus routes in the Valley Metro system.

The City of Phoenix Public Transit Department provides local bus, RAPID, Express, Neighborhood Circulator, and Dial-A-Ride service to the public. Each of these services is provided by the city through contracts with private companies, which are responsible for hiring employees, scheduling and staffing routes, and negotiating employee benefits and compensation as part of their agreements.

All Valley Metro Bus Routes in Service, Monday, July 26 - but with reduced service levels

All bus routes will be in service on Monday, July 26 which is the start of a new reduced schedule because of budget cuts due to the poor economy. For a comprehensive look at the transit changes which include the elimination of some routes, changes in some routes, and reduction in frequency in some routes go to www.ValleyMetro.org

Source: City of Phoenix Public Transit Department