Company locks out Phoenix bus workers, routes not affected yet

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.azfamily.com/news/local/Company-locks-out-Phoenix-bus-workers-routes-not-affected-yet-104270799.html

by Catherine Holland and The Associated Press

azfamily.com

Posted on October 4, 2010 at 6:20 AM

Updated Monday, Oct 4 at 5:20 PM


PHOENIX -- The company that operates one-third of Phoenix city buses has locked out dozens of workers in a contract dispute.

"Negotiations ended with a lockout of Teamsters Local 104 yesterday afternoon," said Valerie Michael of Veolia Transportation, the company that operates 33 of the city's 99 bus routes. "The company came to that conclusion after talks had not been moving for several months. We've met with them more than 20 times over the last several months."

Michael said the decision to lock out the workers was made in an effort to minimize service disruptions.

Veolia's old contract with Teamsters Local 104 expired at 12:01a.m. Monday. Sixty unionized employees -- fuelers, cleaners, tire workers and service workers -- were locked out. Mechanics and drivers were not affected. They were told to report to work as usual.

"The main sticking point is that they're demanding the right to subcontract and outsource our work at will," said Andy Marshall, a union representative. "It doesn't do any good to have a contract if you don't have a job."

Veolia has brought in extra workers, including backup drivers and mechanics, to mitigate any impact on the bus routes should the union decide to strike and set up picket lines. If that happens, thousands of bus riders could be affected.

At this point, however, things seem to be running smoothly.

FULL story and video at link.