A potential strike by Dallas Area Rapid Transit paratransit workers has been averted after union representatives and contractor Transdev reached a tentative labor agreement following days of negotiations.
The agreement was announced Tuesday evening by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1338, which represents DART paratransit workers employed by Transdev. The deal comes after workers voted earlier this month to authorize a strike that could have disrupted transportation services for North Texans with disabilities and mobility challenges.
Agreement Reached
Union officials said the tentative agreement includes wage increases, improved benefits, vacation time, training provisions, holidays, and other workplace improvements.
“We’re pleased to announce that after days of intense negotiations, Local 1338 has reached a tentative agreement with Transdev,” Local 1338 President and Business Agent Donnie Jolly said in a statement. “The transit agency recognized the important role our paratransit members play in the community by complying with their contract to provide fair wages and benefits to live in the Dallas area.”
Paratransit services provide door-to-door transportation for riders who are unable to use DART’s fixed-route bus and rail network because of disabilities or mobility limitations.
Workers voted 160-1 earlier this month to authorize a strike after negotiations with Transdev failed to produce an agreement. According to union officials, bargaining discussions intensified over the past several days to prevent a work stoppage.
Service Disruptions Avoided
Without an agreement, union representatives said a strike could have begun Wednesday morning.
The labor dispute raised concerns about service interruptions for riders who depend on paratransit transportation throughout DART’s 12-city service area.
“Although we were able to get to a deal now, we have to rush twice as hard to relax the riding public who was on edge, whether they was going to get picked up tomorrow or the … days ahead of us,” Stanley Smalls, a senior organizer for ATU International, told KERA.
Union officials said members sought higher pay and improved workplace conditions during negotiations.
“Workers got more than what they wanted,” Bernard Wade told KERA. “Drivers wanted to be paid fairly, fair wages, and you know, you want a fair day’s work for a fair days of wages.”
Membership Vote Expected
ATU International President John Costa credited worker solidarity for helping secure the agreement.
“Our members’ unwavering unity is the reason we have a tentative agreement they should be proud to vote on,” Costa said in a statement. “Our members provide an essential public service for people with disabilities and seniors across Dallas, but they have never been paid fairly for their hard work.”
Local union members are expected to vote on the agreement during a ratification meeting. Union officials said details of the contract will not be released publicly until they are presented to members.
Transdev had not publicly commented on the agreement in the materials provided.
