Dallas, TX – After months of delay tactics, refusals to bargain, and disrespect from DART Paratransit contractor Transdev, DART paratransit workers overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, empowering Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1338-Dallas, TX, to call for a strike if necessary.
The workers voted 106-2 in favor of union representation on March 5. Rather than respect the workers’ clear decision, Transdev responded with baseless objections to the election—providing no evidence to support its claims, a fact acknowledged by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). In response, the federal government has issued a formal complaint against Transdev, citing violations of workers’ rights.
“Since the 106–2 vote, these workers have faced retaliation, harsher penalties, and broken promises—including a wage increase that was promised and then pulled back. Transdev continues to show total disregard for the people who make their service run,” said Kenneth Day, ATU International Vice President. “Workers now believe that taking action is the only path forward and are urging DART leadership to intervene.”
The DART paratransit workers provide a critical service for people with disabilities and seniors across the Dallas area, who rely on them each day to get to the doctor, grocery store, and other important destinations.
“This vote sends a loud and clear message to DART that it’s time to step in and save Transdev from themselves,” said ATU International President John Costa. “Our members are devoted to this work and to their riders, who depend on them and will make every effort to avoid a strike. However, Transdev must act reasonably and recognize that the workers have spoken—and so has the federal government.”