Milwaukee Post
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/537114
By DAN MUCKELBAUER Post Editor MILLWAUKEE — Leaving 150,000 riders looking for other options, Milwaukee County Transit Union members left their jobs Wednesday, the first work stoppage in 37 years. While the strike affected Milwaukee County heavily, outlying areas were also hit, including the 15,000 to 20,000 Summerfest bus riders. Buses for those with disabilities remained in operation. The strike was sched- uled to last 72 hours. With 93 percent of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 against a new year- deal, drivers walked off their jobs at 3 a.m. Wednesday. The 750 drivers and mechanics have been without a contract since April 1, vot- ing June 16 to stop work without an acceptable offer. The company offered part-time jobs at $18.13 an hour, but union members say the full- time jobs will fade away. Drivers make $23.78 hourly plus much more with overtime, and under the rejected plan would have received $24 in 2016 and $24.45 in 2017. With signs like "Don't Steal Our Collective Bargaining," drivers and mechanics on Wednesday protested the negotiations with the MCTS. It's the first strike by the union since 1978, which lasted 39 days. "ATU leaders called for a work stoppage despite significant attempts and concessions from MCTS during a daylong negotiation ses- sion," MCTS spokesman Brendan Conway said in a statement. MARK BELLING Government support of private sector is a shifting base Page 8 Waxing and waning philosophically SEEN AT SUMMERFEST 2015 – PAGE 10 STEVE 'THE HOMER' TRUE Bo Ryan also rang up amazing Big Ten record Page 11 Following in the footsteps of greatness MCTS bus strike affects thousands of riders as union fights for benefits See BUS STRIKE on Page 16 MILWAUKEE COUNTY'S WEEKLY NEWSPAPER JULY 3, 2015 By the numbers $22 million — in increased wages offered by Milwaukee County Transit System System 150,000 — daily MCTS riders 15,000-20,000 — riders going to Summerfest $62,000 — average annual salary, including overtime 750 — union members 72-hour — work stoppage ends Saturday 4 minutes — the time allotted to drivers for restroom breaks Walkout also impacts Summerfest DID YOU KNOW? Local news at your fingertips Visit www.gmtoday.com ■ The earth is .02 degrees hotter during a full moon. ■ The country of Brazil is named after the brazil nut. ■ There are 635,013,559,599 possible hands in a game of bridge. – Source: Hookedonfacts.com Zimmermann's Service 360 E. Howard Ave. 414 -744-9868 245049015 FREE AC CHECK most cars With coupon. Expires 7/17/15. 9501 W. Loomis Rd., Franklin • 414-427-8499 Professionally Managed by Oakbrook Corporation Brenwood-park.com *Income Restrictions May Apply Brenwood Park Senior Apts Brenwood Park Senior Apts PET FRIENDLY Both Market Rate & Affordable Housing Units Are Available Elevator Card Night Wii Bowling Cable Ready Dart Baseball On-Site Bank Exercise Class Fitness Center Miniature Golf Billiards, Bingo Free Coffee Bar Extra Storage Units Onsite Management Free Shopping Shuttle Birthday of the Month Balcony, Deck or Patio FREE Underground Parking Washer & Dryer in Select Units FREE Friday Continental Breakfast 244888064 Make the Leap into Your New Home! Heat and hot water included! Call to schedule your appointment or personal tour today!