Bus Drivers & Management To Resume Talks

Union bus drivers at the T [Ft. Worth's bus service] have been on strike since early monday morning, but that could possibly end by this weekend. The T has tried to maintain a full bus schedule with non-striking drivers, new employees, and management acting as drivers, but the bus service remains shaky at best. Many of the buses are running late -- some as much as two hours late.

But both the union and the T's management have agreed to return to the negotiating table today. Dick Ruddell, the T's president, said, "This may be over by Saturday."

That may be a little optimistic though. Union steward, Bobby Brown, thinks the company will just present the same contract that the union has already rejected. He said, "If they do, it'll probably get voted down again." The union could vote on the newest proposal from management this weekend, and if it is approved, the drivers could be back at work on Monday.

In their last proposal, the company offered a 3% raise per year, a two-year freeze on cost of medical benefits, increased long-term disability benefits, and a $500 signing bonus.

The union is not unhappy about those proposals, but the driver's want written assurances that drivers won't be punished for absences due to injury or illness, or for customer complaints that have not been substantiated.

In an effort to keep their riders somewhat happy during the current strike, the T has been letting all passengers ride free.