GATRA workers to strike, service disruptions expected
TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Nearly 150 Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority (GATRA) workers will strike on Sept. 29, according to Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1548, which represents GATRA workers.
A spokesperson for the union said on Sunday night that the strike will begin at 4:30 a.m. Monday, citing a lack of progress in contract talks and disrespect by management.
Due to the strike, GATRA is advising it’s riders to prepare accordingly, and posted an alert warning of service disruptions.
The alert from GATRA reads as follows:
“GATRA has been notified of a strike beginning the morning of Monday 9/29/25. This strike impacts drivers, dispatchers, mechanics, and other staff employed by GATRA’s Operator, Kiessling of Attleboro.
Due to the strike, there will be service disruptions. There will be limited service on fixed route, ADA Paratransit, and Dial-A-Ride services run by operations out of GATRA’s Taunton and Wareham offices.
GATRA is committed to operating as much service as possible, prioritizing life sustaining medical trips. If your Dial-A-Ride or ADA Paratransit trip has been cancelled you will receive a notification.
If any service disruptions do occur, GATRA’s website and Facebook page will be updated continuously.”
The union spokesperson said GATRA made an offer earlier this week that was rejected by a large majority of the transit workers.
The statement from ATU Local 1548 reads in part:
“Earlier this week GATRA put another subpar offer on the table after the Union and GATRA Management met with a mediator. The Union bus operators, mechanics, call center and scheduling employees, and other transit workers overwhelmingly rejected the offer. 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 Local has been in contract talks with GATRA since June. As contract talks continued to stall, the workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, if necessary, about a month ago.”
Workers are expected to strike outside of GATRA headquarters on Oak Street in Taunton.
A full list of affected routes can be found here, and ABC6 has reached out to GATRA for further comment.
