Milwaukee, WI – Around 150 members and supporters of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998, the union of Milwaukee's bus drivers, protested outside Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele's $2.1 million downtown condominium, July 3. The protest was initiated by the United Workers Organization, a group of young rank-and-file union activists that was formed during the fight against ‘right to work’ earlier this year.

July 3 is the final day of the planned three-day work strike by ATU 998. The decision to stop work was taken after Abele refused to agree to a fair contract with Milwaukee's bus drivers. The union is demanding adequate bathroom breaks for drivers and full-time jobs offering a living wage, benefits, stability and job security.

Abele, on the other hand, wants to introduce part-time driving positions, not only to save money at the expense of workers, but also to divide workers against one another and ultimately to break the union in the wake of ‘right to work.’ Abele and the corporate media have sought to distract from these fundamental issues by spreading the lie that the union has rejected a pay increase.

Speaking to news cameras outside Abele's residence, ATU 998 President James Macon would offer no guarantee that service would resume at 3:00 a.m. on July 4 as scheduled. He suggested that viewers call Abele at 414-278-4211 and ask why he won't agree to a fair contract with the union.

Addressing the crowd on behalf of the United Workers Organization, Teamsters Local 344 member Dan Ginsberg said that with its work stoppage, ATU is showing the way forward for the labor movement in Wisconsin. “The fight ATU 998 is leading is for a better contract,” he said, “but is also part of a larger struggle against the enemies of the working class.”

Several speakers connected the work stoppage to other ongoing social struggles in Milwaukee. Nate Hamilton, a prominent activist in the Black Lives Matter movement whose brother, Dontre Hamilton, was murdered by a Milwaukee police officer in 2014, addressed the crowd. Whether we're fighting for a fair labor contract or for fair treatment from the police, Hamilton said, “We fight for equality, we fight for respect, and we fight for the rights of all working people.” Urging bolder action, Hamilton then led the protest in a march that occupied the streets of downtown Milwaukee for several blocks.

Marcelia Nicholson of the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association spoke of the solidarity between teachers and bus drivers. “Transit workers get our students to school and their parents to work every day,” she said before leading the protest in chanting, “No justice, no buses, no school takeover!” Abele, a Democrat, is working with Republicans in an ongoing attempt to privatize Milwaukee's schools.

In closing the rally, activist and former ATU member Angela Walker addressed the decision to protest at Abele's residence. “You're messing with my house,” she said, “so we're coming to yours!”

#MilwaukeeWI #strike #ATULocal998 #Strikes #AngelaWalker #transitStrike #ChrisAbele #UnitedWorkersOrganization

Milwaukee, WI – On the second day of a work stoppage called by the Amalgamated Transit Union 998, hundreds ended a day of picketing, July 2, with a rally at the Milwaukee County Courthouse. The large demonstration included solidarity speeches from the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association, Fight for 15, Transit Riders Union, the United Workers Organization, County Supervisors, and others.

“150,000 workers, elderly, and people with disabilities depend on these buses every day and deserve an adequately funded public transit system with well paid drivers,” commented Transit Riders Union activist Peter Adamczak. “The struggle of these bus drivers is our struggle!”

The Courthouse rally made clear that multi-millionaire Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele was lying to the media about the pay and conditions of bus drivers, and could easily do something to meet their demands.

Pickets continue today, July 3, at 19th and Fremont, KK and Mitchell, 32nd and Fond du Lac, and 15th and Fond du Lac.

A large rally will take place at County Executive Chris Abele's residence at 4:00 pm today, July 3, on 4th St. and McKinley Blvd.

#MilwaukeeWI #PeoplesStruggles #ATULocal998 #strikes

Calling for a three-day work stoppage, these workers have voted down a concessionary contract that includes the implementation of hundreds of part-time laborers, the weakening of their pension, unsafe work conditions and increased out-of-pocket medical costs.

All working people and allies should rally behind these workers and their union, Amalgamated Transit Union 998, in this struggle. It’s time for unions to mobilize their members and show their support. Following the passage of ‘Right to Work’ legislation – a labor law that drastically weakens a union’s ability to collectively bargain – and a long trend amongst many unions to accept concessions to employers, this work stoppage shows a new way forward: Meet attacks from the employers, wealthy elite and their politicians with production-halting strikes and organizing working-class solidarity.

The fight ATU 998 is leading is for a better contract but is also part of a larger struggle against the enemies of the working class. The number of billionaires has doubled since the latest economic crisis, and the wealth of the richest 1% has doubled. With union density at its lowest since the 1920s and with wealth disparity at its greatest since the 1920s, the wealthy elite are on the offensive and want to make us pay for their economic crisis, and they see an opportunity to do that right now to Milwaukee’s bus drivers and bus mechanics.

ATU 998 is on the front line fighting back. They continue the spirit of 2011, when Wisconsin teachers called in sick and rallied hundreds of thousands to protest at our state capitol against the union-busting Act 10 law. It is time to join the picket line and carry the struggle forward.

An injury to one is an injury to all!

Tax the rich!

Stand with your Milwaukee transit workers!

#MilwaukeeWI #PeoplesStruggles #ATULocal998 #Strikes

ATU president James Macon made clear that the company and the county government are to blame for the work stoppage, as they refused to provide a fair contract offer to the workers.

“We have tried over and over again with the company to get something done but they kept putting it off and making excuses,” Macon said at a press conference in front of the ATU hall June 30. “This is County Executive Abele, not the county board, but Abele that is controlling [Milwaukee County Transit System] MCTS. There is no way in the world that this union or anyone should expect us to bring close to 300 part-time drivers with no benefits that won’t pay into the pension. What is going to happen, if that ever happens, is the county will have to pick up our pension when it goes bankrupt and I don’t think anyone would like that.”

Drivers are demanding a contract that allows adequate time allowed for bathroom breaks; workplace safety; and they are against the introduction of nearly 300 part time drivers. 93% of membership disapproved of the proposed four-year contract and 92% voted to authorize a strike. ATU 998 represents over 1000 active members.

“The creation of a two-tier system that brings in part-time workers and offers them less is unacceptable.” says Angela Walker, who was an ATU member and bus driver for four years in Milwaukee. “Transit workers are asking for adequate bathroom breaks in clean, hygienic facilities. They're asking for better schedules and running time for safety on the road. They're asking for connecting routes that enable passengers to get from one bus to another without risking their lives. They're asking for an end to violence on our buses. They're asking for respect from company and passengers.”

In typical fashion, the company, reactionaries and the county are trying their best to blame workers for the work stoppage, suddenly showing concern for people who rely on public transit. This comes after years of support to slashing funding to the service that has over 50 routes and provides 150,000 passenger rides a day.

“The narrative that is being pushed by the county executive and his minions is false. Transit workers are asking for the same things that all workers deserve and have stood up with workers demanding respect on the job from other professions. They've asked for the public to amplify the need for funding and safety for the system, and were largely unheard. I am sorry that it took a work stoppage to finally get folks here to listen, but it is what it is,” Walker continued.

MCTS is managed by the non-profit private company Milwaukee Transit Service. The corporation uses transit facilities and equipment owned and provided by Milwaukee County.

The union has strong community support and solidarity from other unions, with a picket line that began at 3:00 a.m. organized in coordination with the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA) this morning. Another rally is set for tonight at 8:00 p.m., organized in coordination with a group of young rank-and-file workers and supporters who are active through the “Defeat Right to Work in Wisconsin” Facebook page. ATU has called for another action July 2 at 5:00 p.m. at the County Courthouse.

Unions and organizers are urging people to contact County Executive Chris Abele at 414-278-4211 and tell him to stop attacking public transit. Abele’s email is CountyExec@milwaukeecountywi.gov.

No cuts to transit, no attacks on workers, a fair contract, and bathroom breaks for drivers!

#MilwaukeeWI #PeoplesStruggles #ATULocal998

The strike is set for 3:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, with 93% voting down the contract and 92% voting to strike.

Some of the issues ATU 998 drivers are fighting against include the introduction of hundreds of part-time drivers and unsafe work conditions.

Many labor activists in the Milwaukee area support the strike.

“I'll be at the picket line and organizing solidarity,” commented Jacob Flom, a rank-and-file AFSCME member and organizer with the United Worker Organization.

#MilwaukeeWI #PeoplesStruggles #strike #ATULocal998

The Jan. 23 press conference came on the heels of the recently released 145-page report from the Commission on Transportation Finance and Policy that was presented to the Walker administration and state lawmakers. This report could have an impact on mass transit funding in the next state budget, which is due out in February.

According to a press release from Community Action Now, “While the coalition isn't endorsing the full 145-page report, they will highlight support for 5 key provisions.” Those 5 provisions pertain to the demands laid out above.

The failure to fully fund mass transit results in fare increases and cuts to bus and Paratransit service. During the press conference, Jennifer Epps-Addison of CAN stated, “Access to jobs and doctor's appointments is a right.”

The livelihood of transit system operators is in jeopardy as well. ATU organizer Angela Walker explains what it means for transit drivers, “Service cuts mean less work for us and more aggravation for our passengers. That gets passed on to us. Stressed passengers are angry passengers and they blame us for the shortcomings of the system.” Ms. Walker also stated, “We want more service on the road, covering areas not already served by transit.”

The fight to preserve and increase transit funding is not being ignored by all state political leaders. Newly-elected State Representative Mandela Barnes was in attendance at the press conference, as well as former 10th District Milwaukee County Alderman and current Milwaukee Public School Board candidate Eyon Biddle Sr. Both acknowledge the need for mass transit in the struggle for social and economic justice.

Mandela Barnes states, “Restoring transit funding isn't enough, we must find more ways to invest!” The condition of large urban areas, like Milwaukee, Madison or Racine, only stand to suffer from cuts in funding. Eyon Biddle warns, “Without adequate transit you will see the already fragile and challenging conditions of Milwaukee's central city further plummet. It is something that crosses color lines, gender lines and age.” All representatives of the press conference urged Wisconsinites to contact their local legislators and Governor Scott Walker's office. We must also take the fight to the streets!

#MadisonWI #AmalgamatedTransitUnion #ATULocal998 #CommunityActionNow