<p>With the strike dragging on but most buses still running, Vineyard Transit Authority drivers came to the Edgartown selectmen on Monday to request their support. Selectmen listened.
With the strike dragging on but most buses still running, Vineyard Transit Authority drivers came to the Edgartown selectmen on Monday to request their support. Selectmen listened as three full-time drivers voiced their concerns with the VTA’s management company, TCI, and asked that they call the VTA to push for a contract for the drivers.
Full-time VTA drivers have been picketing at select locations on the Island since Friday, frustrated that they haven’t been able to negotiate a contract with their employers. Approximately 20 drivers walked off the job last week, but most of the VTA’s bus routes are staffed with seasonal or part-time drivers and are still in operation.
On Monday drivers appealed to the selectmen to intervene on their behalf.
“They don’t negotiate, they’ve been stalling, stalling . . . so that’s why we decided to go on strike,” driver Andre Bonnell told the board. “We’re just looking to get some support from selectmen.”
The drivers said TCI has brought in replacement drivers from around the country to fill positions at high hourly rates. They also said that TCI and the VTA are using tax dollars to fight the drivers’ request for pay increases, and that the current working conditions make driving unsafe.
“I’ve been driving for 19 years. I’ll never get a raise,” Mr. Bonnell said. “They’re bringing in people from other countries whose starting pay is much more than what I make . . . It’s a kick in the teeth to me when they say they don’t have enough to pay their drivers.”
Driver Katherine Kavanagh requested the selectmen call the VTA, citing concerns about safety with less experienced drivers on the road.
“We’re asking you for help, to call the VTA and say we need this done. We need to negotiate,” Ms. Kavanagh said. “We don’t think you’re the magician who can fix everything. But we do think you’re people who might care about our community and that our streets are safe.”
Selectmen took no action, thanking the VTA drivers for voicing their concerns.
According to driver Richard Townes, drivers had a lengthy negotiating session with a mediator on Monday in an effort to draw up a contract. Mr. Townes has said that the strike will continue until a contract is in place.
Will Sennott contributed reporting.
Comments
Looking away from a problem
Paul Condlin EdgartownLooking away from a problem that's existed for several years isn't leadership Board of Selectmen. Especially on the eve of the Fourth of July when the VTA is a crucial element for those just wanting to watch the parade and fireworks. The union took a calculated decision and was wrong. Andre Bonnell was my boss when I washed dishes at Lawry's in '73. He's a good guy like Ritchie who was probably working as a lineman for Cape & Islands then. Try at least finding out who's more wrong...and get it right.
The drivers are paid peanuts
charlie callahan so boston/edgartownThe drivers are paid peanuts and they put up with a lot of jerks on this island. I grew up in So Boston and when a union went on strike the people honored the strikes because the companies were not honoring agreements or were not paying a living wage,we need unions because the owners of companies would squeeze the life out of the workers otherwise. A lot of the rich families on this island inherited money from grandparents who made a fortune off the backs of unorganized workers. Unions built this country and gave those who HAVE REAL JOBS the opportunity to earn a living wage for what they do.Stand behind the strikers
The VTA is a fine service,
Lorraine EdgartownThe VTA is a fine service, esp. the Senior Pass for those of us who care not to drive in the summer in this hideous traffic. For all the virtue signalers out there who complain of our carbon footprint, etc., climate change, global warming, let us all put our money where our mouths are and solve this impasse so we may return to the good services of public transportation, which many call for as our physical world is being impacted by traffic congestion and all it entails. It seems it depends on whose ox is being gored. I appreciate the VTA and understand what a good job they do in a resort area where the needs change so drastically several times a year. Happy Fourth of July to all.
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