Although I respect the give-and-take of collective bargaining, and I recognize the right of workers to strike, as Mayor I am deeply disappointed and distressed by the PVTA drivers and mechanics’ refusal to meet and negotiate in good faith to avert a work stoppage.
In Holyoke and throughout the Pioneer Valley, our most vulnerable citizens — school children, the elderly, low-income individuals in need of critical services — would be without transportation if a strike were to take place. Employees won’t be able to get to work, students won’t get to school on time, people with health issues won’t be able to make doctor’s appointments. Residents of nursing homes won’t be visited by their loving children.
For members of the public and clients who depend on this critical service, a strike would be uncaring and unnecessary. The union’s 18 percent salary increase is unrealistic. The PVTA is a public transit service that operates within the limits of the budget set by its Advisory Board. That budget reflects all available revenue sources, including funds allocated by the Governor and the Legislature.
DGR Management Inc., the company that oversees the PVTA’s fixed route service, has made a generous offer to the drivers and mechanics, but the union refuses to meet. DGR worked through a federal mediator to offer the union a 1-year contract and get back to negotiations for year two and year three. The offer the union rejected included a 5 percent wage increase retroactive to July 1, 2024. The Top Bus Operator rate would be $32.81 an hour. The offer involved an additional 5 percent on top of the regular hourly rate for all weekend hours worked. Further, changes to salary schedules would allow drivers to reach the top hourly rate after two years on the job rather than the current five – all while preserving services and current routes.
The benefits package — which is generous as it is — was enhanced by the addition of vision insurance, an additional floating holiday, an increase in the uniform and tool allowance, short term disability, and several other items that were of priority for the union during negotiations.
The union leadership turned down the offer.
If the PVTA were to meet the union’s demands, the financial impact would result in massive schedule cuts — a devastating reduction in service. If the union decides to strike, there will be no bus service in Holyoke, except for Routes 41 and 48. There would be no bus service in Springfield, West Springfield, Agawam, Chicopee, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Ludlow. Westfield or Wilbraham. I don’t want to see that happen. I want drivers and mechanics to make a good living, and I want PVTA bus service to continue throughout the Valley without a reduction in service.
DGR has bargained in good faith throughout the negotiation process and has remained dedicated and committed to seeking an agreement with the union. The PVTA does not have funding to meet an excessive 12 percent wage increase in Year 1 or an 18 percent increase over three years.
Our passengers rely on PVTA buses to get them to work, essential appointments, school and more. Few of our riders have other options to meet their transportation needs. PVTA has drafted a letter to the Governor requesting assistance on alternative transportation methods.
Please understand that personally, I am not willing to gamble on the livelihoods of our most vulnerable people because cool heads can’t prevail. A strike would force the PVTA to explore other options to ensure the people in our communities have transportation. I urge both sides to come together to resume negotiations and avoid an unnecessary and irresponsible strike. Let’s maintain our affordable and accessible transportation system for all with no service reductions and make sure we have decent compensation for the drivers and mechanics – all while avoiding a work stoppage.