GATRA and ATU reach agreement after 2-day strike

TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — After a two-day strike, the Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1548 have reached a tentative agreement.

According to ATU, the union representing GATRA employees, the agreement “meets the Union’s demands for fair pay, job security, and strong benefits.”

The strike, which lasted just two days, was authorized by union workers citing a lack of progress in contract talks, and disrespect from management.

The union said negotiations with GATRA had been ongoing since June.

“Our members stood strong and united throughout this process,” Local 1548 President and Business Agent Chuck Ryan said. “This strike shows that our members are willing to lay it all on the line for justice. I want to thank our International President John Costa, our riders, elected officials, and all our allies for coming out and standing with us. This is a contract that they earned and deserve.”

GATRA said bus services will run on a regular schedule starting Oct. 1, including fixed routes, Dial-A-Ride, ADA Paratransit, and GATRA GO services.

GATRA released the following statement on the agreement:

“GATRA is pleased that the strike is over and we can get back to providing normally scheduled service for all riders across GATRA’s service area. Thank you for the strong leadership from both the GATRA Advisory Board Chair and Vice Chair as we navigated through this situation.”

GATRA striking union members will vote on the deal within the next few weeks.