‘95% likely’: CapMetro workers inch closer to strike, union president says

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Ellis Jarvis

A CapMetro employee holds a sign at a press conference to discuss contract revisions ahead of the board meeting on July 27.

Capital Metro union workers are close to initiating a strike over contract negotiations following a press conference and CapMetro’s board meeting on Monday.

Workers gathered outside for a press conference before the meeting and pushed the board for renewed negotiations. Brent Payne, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1091 that represents CapMetro employees, said a strike is currently about “95% likely,” citing unwillingness from subcontractor Keolis North America to negotiate further.

While there is currently no date to strike, the union voted to authorize one if necessary after rejecting Keolis’ final offer in June. Payne said a strike would mean “no buses,” and would continue for as long as it takes Keolis to return to the table for negotiations on a better contract. 

The union still has 11 open items that need to be resolved in negotiations to avoid a strike, Payne said, including wages and benefits. 

In the press conference, Payne highlighted how the strike would particularly impact the University and Austin Independent School District, such as impeding students from traveling around the city. 

“It is never ATU’s goal to hurt (or) harm anybody,” Payne said. “I just want to make you guys aware that this is serious, and y’all need to understand what we’re potentially looking at.”

Dozens of speakers voiced support for the union at the board meeting and called on CapMetro’s board of directors to pressure Keolis to return to the table and meet workers’ demands. 

Mallory Vinson, a second grade teacher and CapMetro commuter, was among the concerned citizens who spoke in support of ATU.

“A strike would be very disruptive to the daily lives of Austinites,” Vinson said. “I, and many others, are fully behind the workers and their union striking because they wouldn’t just be fighting for improvements for their own conditions, which they very much deserve, but for the public as well.” 

Several CapMetro union workers also spoke at the meeting to outline personal grievances with their treatment under Keolis and again demand better pay and benefits. 

“This current state of affairs is unacceptable,” said Peyton Rollins, a bus operator who attended the meeting virtually. “So if you thought you could hide up in this boardroom, where nobody ever comes, well guess what? We’re here now. We’re gonna be here next month, and we’re gonna be here until you get your act together.” 

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