West Valley union, bus provider back at negotiation table

PHOENIX – Representatives from a West Valley bus driver’s union and a service provider are back at the negotiation table.

First Transit is a Cincinnati, Ohio-based bus service provider that operates numerous bus routes in the Valley and has been in negotiation with the bus operator’s union Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1433 since June after the previous labor agreement expired.

Now at the encouragement of Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, the two groups are continuing talks in an effort to resolve the dispute and avoid a labor stoppage.

“I am highly optimistic that both sides are coming to the table today ready to compromise,” Stanton said.

In December, ATU 1433 rejected what was reportedly First Transit’s best and final offer; however in a statement afterward the company said it remained “willing to continue negotiations.”

Health insurance cost is one of the primary reasons the two groups haven’t been able to work out a solution, with the union saying it is seeking equal rates to East Valley bus drivers working under First Transit.

Stanton said the groups need to come together on a solution and avoid a strike not solely to make sure service isn’t interrupted at a time when millions of people are visiting the Valley for the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl and Phoenix Open, but for the many people who depend on the service every day.

“Tens of thousands of people in West Phoenix use those routes that are at risk to get to work, to get to their jobs, to get to school,” Stanton said. “It’s critically important that they get it settled, not because of the Super Bowl, although the Super Bowl is important, but because people have to get to work and get to their jobs.”

The contract under negotiation could affect 14 bus routes in Phoenix and Glendale.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.