Phoenix Bus Drivers Reject Offer, Strike

Bus drivers in Phoenix have gone on strike after the Amalgamated Transit Union local rejected the Phoenix Transit System’s latest contract, leaving an estimated 110,000 people who depend on the mass transit system each workweek without a ride. “There are no negotiation meetings scheduled at this point,” said Abbie Fink, a spokeswoman for Phoenix Transit. Phoenix Transit is a private firm that runs the bus service for the city and surrounding metropolitan area. The union was satisfied with management’s offer of a 25% pay hike over five years, a union official said. But drivers said talks broke down concerning health insurance, pension plans and work hours.