ATU Local 448-Springfield, MA, Members to Vote on Possible Strike in Coming Days
Springfield, MA – Frustrated Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA) workers, represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 448-Soringfield, MA, overwhelmingly voted to reject the PVTA’s ‘final and best’ contract offer and are set to hold a vote to determine a strike date in the coming days.
Local 448 represents more than 225 PVTA employees, including bus operators, mechanics, supervisors, and office workers. The Local says that PVTA management has refused to hold meaningful talks with workers.
“Our members have spoken with the rejection of this contract. All we are asking for is to show us the respect we’ve earned. That means sit down with us and negotiate a contract with fair wages and benefits that recognizes the commitment and dedication of our members,” said Financial Secretary/Business Agent Jim Harrington. “Instead, they just slapped us in the face. They put an insulting offer on the table and walked away.”
The Local doesn’t want to walk off the job for the sake of their riders, but the agency has forced their hand. “We don’t want to shut it down, but we want to get the respect we’re owed. If PVTA won’t do that, they give us no choice but to take action,” Harrington continued.
The Local and PVTA have been in negotiations since March 2024. The outstanding issues are wages, benefits, and other key issues. On August 11, the workers voted overwhelmingly in favor of authorizing a strike if necessary.
ATU International President John Costa expressed strong support for the Local. “Our operators, mechanics, supervisors, and office workers are the lifeblood of PVTA. They report for work each day to keep the Springfield area moving,” said Costa. “This vote sends a loud and clear message to PVTA. It’s time to give our members the fair and just contract that they deserve.”