The drivers of some of the busiest bus routes in Phoenix will no longer strike at 12 a.m. Tuesday.
Union officials announced Monday afternoon that the strike would begin at midnight, but just before 10 p.m. they said the strike will be postponed pending the outcome of further talks with Transdev. The city pays Transdev to operate nearly 40 routes in the city; the union's conflict is with Transdev, not the city.
Encouraged to hear that a bus strike has been put on hold. Regular bus service in #Phx on Tuesday as talks continue. Stay at the table!
— Greg Stanton (@MayorStanton) January 5, 2016
The looming strike comes one week before the College Football National Championship, which will be held in Glendale next Monday.
The bus drivers' union and Transdev had failed to reach an agreement in contract talks that have stretched since April, according to the union. Sticking points include bathroom breaks, a tiered wage and benefit system, and disciplinary procedures.
The strike was a last resort, according to union's negotiator Michael Cornelius. A comment from Transdev was not immediately available.
Phoenix pays Transev to operate the routes, and Transdev pays the drivers who drive the routes.
Union officials said the strike could go into effect Tuesday morning if they cannot come to a compromise with Transdev overnight.
"As of Monday night, an agreement has not been reached, but with talks continuing all bus service continues to operate normally at this time," the Phoenix Public Transit Department said.
The union, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1433, represents approximately 650 bus drivers in Phoenix, according to Bob Bean, the union president.
Dozens of routes could be impacted by the strike, including ones along Central Avenue, Camelback Road, 7th Street, and 7th Avenue. Click here for more information on possible service disruptions.
See map below of routes that could be affected:
