HONOLULU (KHON2) — Negotiations between Oahu Transit Services and Teamsters Union Local 996 remain at a standstill, raising concerns over a possible strike that could disrupt service for thousands of TheBus riders across the island.
The contract for roughly 1,400 OTS employees, including TheBus operators, mechanics and support staff, expired back on June 30, and negotiations have been ongoing since.
On Friday, OTS said it issued its “Last, Best, and Final Offer” to the Teamsters Union.
“On Friday, we issued our best and final offer to the union and some hot topics include wage increases of 16% across the board, 100% retiree medical, 100% active medical, 100% pension contributions into it,” said OTS Deputy General Manager Jenny Lemaota.
She clarified that this contract is for TheBus only and other services like HandiVan would still operate.
In a letter to members, the Hawaii Teamsters Local 996 called on workers to vote no, saying the company’s offer still falls short on critical issues like wages, pensions, and hazard pay.
The letter states: “OTS continues to show that it does not value you. We are recommending a NO VOTE on the LBF (last best and final offer)… OTS also refuses to even entertain the possibility of hazard pay – and when we asked the company’s representative why they opposed our latest hazard pay proposal, they refused to provide a reasonable response and instead stated repeatedly, “We decline because we decline.”
Union leaders also oppose provisions allowing non-operator employees with CDLs to drive routes, saying that could reduce overtime.
“Sometimes we do have to cancel days off for our operators because of staffing issues. Part of the proposal allows trainers and dispatchers who are licensed to drive routes, but operators would still have priority and it’s only to avoid canceling their days off,” explained Lemaota.
Lemaota says OTS spent five months negotiating with the union and believes the proposal is fair and competitive.
“That package on the table is very competitive. Starting Monday, we’re holding informational meetings with our employees so they can ask questions and make an informed vote,” she added.
If the union authorizes a strike, OTS said it does not have a backup plan for bus operations and thousands of people will have to find different ways to get around.
“We want to get out in front and let the public know this could be a possibility. About 130,000 people rely on TheBus every day — we encourage them to start thinking of alternate ways to get around,” Lemaota said.
OTS says it hopes the contract will be ratified in the coming weeks. The Teamsters say they’ll keep pushing for what they call a fair deal for workers.
In 2003, roughly 1,300 TheBus workers went on strike for 31 days.