Baton Rouge bus drivers' strike: Union leaders provide update
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Union leaders provided an update Thursday afternoon on the ongoing Baton Rouge bus drivers' strike, which began earlier this week.
Bus operators began striking early Monday morning, citing demands for fair wages, safer working conditions, and respect.
Amalgamated Transit Union senior organizer Stanley Smalls said bus drivers are ready to go back to work by tomorrow if Capital Area Transit System (CATS) CEO Theo Richards agrees to no retaliation against workers and work would continue under the old contract until issues are resolved.
'I'm sure whenever we can resolve this matter, everybody's going to be happy, passengers and operators,' Smalls said.
Smalls described a letter received from Richards on Thursday as 'ambiguous.' He said a letter and documents for signature were sent back to ensure that workers are not harmed or retaliated against and that Richards understands that work would continue under the old contract.
'Despite what they're telling the media, the service has been terrible,' Smalls said, adding that he believes it's dangerous to have inexperienced operators on the roadways.
Despite the strike, Capital Area Transit System (CATS) has stated that bus services will continue to operate. Riders are encouraged to check the CATS website for schedule updates.
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