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Capital Metro union drivers to strike Nov. 5

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Written by Darcie Duttweiler Monday, 03 November 2008

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1091, the union that represents workers who drive, repair and service Capital Metro buses, announced Oct. 31 that it is calling a strike after rejecting Star Tran's last contract offer.

The strike is set for Wednesday, Nov. 5 with the first bus pullout in the early morning. Local 1091 President Jay Wyatt said that the Local would prefer to start the strike sooner, but with Election Day on Nov. 4, the Local did not want to make it difficult for voters to get to the polls. Wyatt said that sticking points for the contract impasse included performance, attendance and family leave policies that he said Star Tran had refused to bargain over.

Capital Metro said it expects to run 70 vehicles out of its usual 246 on the first day of the strike. Service will run on 10 main routes from 6:00 am to 7:30 p.m with service at least every 45 minutes, possibly more often, depending on how many drivers are available.

University of Texas shuttles will not be affected, and Capital Metro riders can find abbreviated routes on its website. During a strike, no fares will be charged.