Brooklyn, NY – MTA paratransit workers in Brooklyn, NY, employed by private contractor MV Transportation, have gone on strike after overwhelmingly rejecting the company’s “Best and Final Offer” and authorizing a strike earlier this month.
“These workers didn’t want to walk off the job, but MV Transportation put an offer on the table that failed to recognize their commitment and dedication to safely transporting the elderly and people with disabilities who depend on this service – especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Michael Cordiello, President of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1181, representing the workers. “They deserve a fair and just contract that allows them to support their families and have adequate health benefits.”
Contract negotiations between MV and the Union have been ongoing since August 2019 with the major sticking points including wages, poor healthcare and other issues. The sides met on May 7, 2020, in an attempt to reach a deal, but after no progress, the private contractor submitted their “Best and Final Offer.”
Left with no other option, on May 14, the Union membership followed negotiating committee’s recommendation and overwhelmingly rejected it and authorized the strike.
“These workers are fed up with being mistreated. Private companies like MV win contracts with false promises of saving money and improving service. Then they come in and cut costs on the backs of workers while raking in profits off their low wages. This is the human cost of privatization,” Cordiello continued. “These workers are going to stand strong on the picket lines and show MV that they deserve nothing but a fair and just contract.”