Mediator joins talks on city bus contract
By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer
Contract talks between city bus drivers and their employer, O'ahu Transit Services, continued last night as the current contract was set to expire.
Advertiser library photo • 2000
A federal mediator joined the bargaining for the first time yesterday, said Mel Kahele, president of the Hawai'i Teamsters and Allied Workers Local 996, which represents 1,350 drivers, mechanics, clerks and some supervisors at OTS.
"We got a clear message from our members that they don't want to give up jobs and benefits," Mel Kahele said.
Yesterday's talks focused on staffing issues, Kahele said. The company has proposed cutbacks that would result in layoffs of about 40 workers and reductions in other benefits, he said.
"We got a clear message from our members that they don't want to give up jobs and benefits," Kahele said.
OTS, which runs the bus service for the city, said the cuts are necessary because it is facing a $1.5 million shortfall in the next fiscal year, even with service cuts and a recent 25-cent increase in bus fares.
OTS also anticipates increases in pension, insurance and fuel costs, a spokesman said.
If both sides agree, more talks are scheduled for tomorrow and Thursday. Either side would have to give 72 hours notice before a strike or lockout could occur.
