MINNEAPOLIS — Striking transit workers say their walkout is the direct result of Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s policies and they are urging supporters to phone the governor.
"This has been a strike manufactured by the governor, trying not to bargain, but to impose," Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 states on its website. "Please call Governor Pawlenty and your local legislators to express your support for Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005! Governor's comment line: 651-296-3391."
The transit strike, which began last Thursday, involves about 2,300 members of Local 1005.
In an interview last week with the Union Advocate, Local 1005 President Ron Lloyd said Pawlenty and the Legislature share blame. The current state budget cuts $13 million in funding to transit. In addition, Lloyd said, Pawlenty appointed Metropolitan Council Chair Peter Bell and other Met Council members, who are following the governor’s "no new taxes" approach to government.
"I think it could be corrected at the Legislature. If transit had a dedicated fund, we wouldn’t be in this position." Instead, he said, "we have to go up every year and beg."
Health insurance, especially for retirees, was the key stumbling block in negotiations, members said. They maintain they made concessions in previous contracts to keep the insurance and are now being asked to give it up for nothing.
Lloyd said affordable health insurance is vital to his members, given the physical nature of most of their jobs – whether it be mechanics breathing diesel fumes or drivers who put in 10-hour shifts behind the wheel.
For more information
Visit the ATU Local 1005 website, www.atu1005.com
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