No agreement between the bus drivers’ union RTC and Keolis

RENO, Nevada (News 4 and Fox 11) — Bus drivers from the Teamsters union have voted for a possible strike after the three-year collective bargaining agreement with RTC operator Keolis expired over the weekend.

Although both sides have been negotiating for ten days, there is still no agreement and the Teamsters Local 533 union could call a strike at any time.

Reno-Sparks bus drivers and people who rely on public transportation are familiar with the conflict: In 2021, there were three bus driver strikes that resulted in bus service being suspended for weeks.

In a statement to News 4-Fox 11, a Keolis representative said their offer includes a 29% wage increase, a $3,000 ratification bonus for employees, higher pension payments and other “favorable” changes.

But Teamsters President Gary Watson accused Keolis of making concessions and breaking off negotiations on Saturday.

“Keolis made us a final and final offer on Saturday and then broke off negotiations,” Watson said. “Their final and final offer comes with concessions.”

The union’s aim was never to strike. We need Keolis to follow through on its proposal to make concessions and return to the negotiating table, which they have so far refused to do.

RTC is the largest public transit provider in Northern Nevada with 67 buses in its fleet and over 5 million rides in 2023.

Below is the full statement from a Keolis representative:

The Keolis team remains committed to finalizing the terms of a new contract and met with union representatives for ten days, including last Friday and Saturday, before the contract’s June 30 expiration. At the end of negotiations on Saturday, we made an offer that includes the following increases for the next three years: wage increases of approximately 29%, a $3,000 ratification bonus for employees, increased pension contributions totaling $1.00 per hour, increased employer contributions for employee health insurance, and other favorable changes to employment terms for employees. We know that a work stoppage negatively impacts everyone, and we hope to ratify a successor contract soon.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to News 4-Fox 11 for more details.

Email reporter Ben Margiott at [email protected]. Follow @BenMargiott to X and Ben Margiott KRNV on Facebook.