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Austin Bus Workers Rally as Strike Authorization Remains in Place

The standoff could halt most fixed-route service because it hinges on pay, training and CapMetro's budget limits.

Capital Metro employees hold signs during a press conference on contract negotiations with Keolis ahead of a CapMetro board meeting Monday at CapMetro headquarters in Austin.
Employees and members of the public attend a Capital Metro board meeting at CapMetro headquarters on Monday in Austin.
Zo Qadri, Austin City Council member and CapMetro board member, speaks during a press conference on union negotiations with Keolis ahead of a board meeting at CapMetro headquarters on Monday in Austin.
Brent Payne, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1091, listens to public testimony on contract negotiations with Keolis during a CapMetro board meeting Monday at CapMetro headquarters in Austin.

Overview

  • Union leaders say they retain a 99.5% strike authorization and could call a walkout at any time after rallying before the CapMetro board on Monday.
  • Keolis says it is bargaining in good faith but must negotiate inside financial parameters set by CapMetro, which funds the contractor under a pass-through contract.
  • The core pay dispute is the union’s demand for a 14% raise over three years versus Keolis’ offer of 3%/4%/5% annual raises plus one-time ratification bonuses that Keolis says can equal or exceed 14% when counted together.
  • Workers also press for enforceable route and maintenance training rules, while Keolis says operator route training is handled in collaborative forums rather than as a bargained contract term.
  • CapMetro says it has strike contingency plans but warns that any added labor cost would likely require cutting service, and past local strikes have shown a walkout can sharply reduce bus availability for riders.