Following an April 24 negotiating session, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757 declared impasse in bargaining with Portland Public Schools over a new contract for over 100 school bus drivers who transport students with disabilities and special needs. Declaring impasse means the union believes the two sides are unable to reach agreement.
Local 757 spokesperson Andrew Riley said the union will now prepare for a strike, which could take place after summer break. Local 757 has asked the district to agree to binding arbitration as an alternative to a strike. [ATU’s national union requires that step.] PPS has not yet responded to that proposal.
The district’s final offer would raise starting wages to $17.96 an hour—up from $16.25—but at rallies held on April 10 and April 24, drivers said that’s not enough.
