HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – An island-wide scare over an imminent bus strike on Oahu turned out to be a false alarm, with the bus drivers’ union calling it a “scare tactic.”
While buses are still running, negotiations between Oahu Transit Services (OTS) and the Hawaii Teamsters and Allied Workers, Local 996 union are reportedly “getting heated” at a crucial time.
The scare originated from rumors that drivers would walk out on the same day the city opened a new segment of Skyline, its rail system.
While these rumors proved untrue, the sides are far apart.
Hawaii Teamsters represents 1,400 drivers, mechanics, and staff at TheBus.
Union president and principal officer Kevin Holu stated that after nearly five months of negotiations, “The pressure from the members is on… is overwhelming, and most of the membership wants a better wage. They want a better future. They want to get better benefits, and would be willing to stand and strike.”
Holu believes frustrated drivers likely fueled the strike rumors. However, OTS managers took the threats seriously, demanding a week’s notice of any strike.
When the union refused, OTS issued a press release Monday night warning riders.
Jenny Lemaota, OTS deputy general manager, defended the company’s actions.
“We felt that that was our responsibility to, and again, it’s out of an abundance of caution, to forewarn people so that they could prepare accordingly,” Lemaota said.
Holu countered, accusing the company of “doing that to create scary tactics and try to get the public behind them and against us as well.”
Stalled talks and the city’s role
In this tense atmosphere, talks stalled. OTS proposed mediation, but the Teamsters insisted on staying at the bargaining table, pushing for better working conditions and increased compensation.
Lemaota emphasized OTS’s existing health and pension benefits and new offer: “We offer a very comprehensive package with good medical, good pension, good wages to attract more operators, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
While the city is not directly involved in negotiations, it controls TheBus’ funding. So far, it isn’t offering to help as the City Council Tuesday stalled a bus fare increase.
Council chair Tommy Waters expressed concern, saying: “Every dollar I think can help.”
City Transportation Services director Roger Morton acknowledged “the city’s coffers are not endless.”
He said, “We urge the two sides to continue negotiation in good faith and hopefully, cool heads will prevail.”
One reason the city and OTS don’t have a lot of money for bus drivers is because of the high cost of operating Skyline.
Insiders suggest one immediate way the city could alleviate pressure is by releasing $7,500 in pandemic hazard pay per driver, which the council has already approved.
Holu said, “I do honestly believe that would take a lot of pressure off our membership.”
As the situation remains unresolved, Morton said, “We all hope there isn’t going to be a bus strike, but I think it’s responsible for residents to start planning, what would they do” in the event of a strike.
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