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^^Metropolitan Council <br />Working for the Region, Planning for the Future <br />September 15, 1995 SEP 2 1 <br />Dear City Manager, <br />Here is the latest information on a possible work stoppage and <br />interruption in transit service provided by the Metropolitan <br />Council to communities throughout the region. <br />Members of the Amalgamated Transit Union, representing bus drivers <br />and mechanics, voted on Saturday, Sept. 9 to authorize a strike for <br />Oct. 9 or earlier if union leaders deem it necesary. Because of a <br />required 10-day cooling off period, the earliest that a strike <br />could take place is Sept. 22. I have instructed our negotiating <br />team to clear their calendars and work toward settlement within the <br />financial limitations and service parameters facing the Council. <br />We hope that state-mediated talks will result in a settlement. <br />A strike will benefit no one. Should there be a strike, no transit <br />service for about 97 percent of the region would be available. This <br />is a substantial impact on customers who ride Transit Operations <br />buses 220,000 tir* '. each business day. Many of these bus customers <br />live in your community, and depend on transit to get to work, <br />school and appointments. Also, there would be a dramatic impact on <br />general traffic congestion and overall air quality, affecting your <br />community. For our employees who work in the Council's Transit <br />Operations area, and those of us who are colleagues and co-workers, <br />the threat of a strike is also damaging to productivity and morale. <br />The main issues in this impasse are the ability to change work <br />rules, so that we can be more flexible and competitive in providing <br />service, and the hiring of more part-time drivers to match the <br />peaks in service. As you are well aware, during this time of <br />shrinking public dollars, we need to live within our means. A <br />shortfall of $10 million to adequately maintain the current transit <br />system adds to this difficult situation. <br />We are committed to resolving these issues quickly to retain the <br />public's trust and expectations for reliable and efficient regional <br />transit service. Your interest is appreciated and I ask that you <br />share this update with colleages and elected officials. <br />230 East Fifth Strert St. Paul. Minnesota 55101-1634 (612)291-6359 Fax 291-6550 <br />An Equal Opfjomautif Emploger <br />TDD/TIY 291-0904 Metro Info Line 229-3780