David Cornwell

Some of the bus drivers at Texas State might go on strike, if they can't reach a deal with the company they work for. David Cornwell has more in this Bobcat Update.

Contracts talks have apparently stalled between shuttle operators and Transdev – the company that runs the university's shuttle system. The bus drivers are represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 10-91. The union is petitioning for higher wages.
SB - Alishia
Transdev's contract offer has been turned down by the union voters. The offer included a pay raise of 25 cents after every year worked, stopping at around the 15 dollar an hour mark. However, shuttle operators who have worked six years or more for the system would receive a stipend of 250 dollars a year with NO pay increase.
SB - Union President
Currently, the Bobcat Shuttle operators earn 10 dollars and 98 cents per hour when they're first hired, compared to U-T's shuttle operators receiving 13 dollars and 30 cents an hour After four years, shuttle operators at U-T earn as much as 20 dollars and 38 centers per hour.
SB- Union President
The General Manager of Transdev at Texas State, Jack Besch,says that the significant portion of the workforce is comprised of part-time students. The company believes wages and benefits are in line with the type of service being provided. Union president Jay Wyatt says one-third of the operators are students, one-third are retirees, and one-third are looking to make a career driving the shuttles.
SB - Union President - talking about Strike vote
Transdev and the union will next meet on April 28th. If those talks don't produce results, a mediator may be asked to intervene. And if that step doesn't resolve the situation, a bus driver strike is possible. For Bobcat Update, I'm David Cornwell.