GATRA union workers start planned strike, say contract talks started in June

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Nearly 150 Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) workers are now on strike.

The strike started at 4:30 this morning, citing a lack of progress in contract talks, and disrespect from management.

A spokesperson for the union says, GATRA made an offer last week that was rejected by a majority of the bus drivers.

The spokesperson released a statement reading in part:

The workers have the lowest pay and the weakest benefits at any regional transit authority in the state, despite GATRA receiving financial assistance from the state legislature.

The union says negotiations with GATRA have been ongoing since June, adding:

As contract talks continued to stall, the workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike.

We have reached out to Kiessling Transit, GATRA’s operator. for a statement on the strike.