the unionized drivers voted to authorize a strike. According to KSTP, the
strike, if negotiators don't reach an agreement, will be for the 10 days during
Super Bowl festivities.
http://kstp.com/news/metro-transit-workers-could-strike-during-super-bowl-festivities/4666652/
We haven't heard much because so many people are focused on Metro Transit
closing all of the Blue Line and part of the Green Line to riders unless they
have tickets to the game on Sunday. However, a 10 day strike will affect a
larger number of people.
As the KSTP article notes, some employers are already making plans for their
employees.
Were it not for the idea of closing down light rail to only game ticket holders
on Sunday, I am sure the contract that the drivers voted against would be
explored more.
I am curious to learn more about the contract, what the drivers want that they
are not getting, what concessions Metro Transit has made. KSTP points out
safety as a concern, with drivers asking for doors to protect them from
assaults that they say happen often. There doesn't seem to be much of a
statement from Metro Transit regarding what they have done for driver safety or
what is currently in the contract.
I also wonder, if an agreement cannot be reached by the end of January, will
Metro Transit hire replacement drivers? Will they only hire drivers for the
light rail for those 10 days if the drivers strike?