TMSA Negotiations Update

As most of you know, the most recent TMSA contract with the Met Council expired on 12/31/2010.  We have been in negotiations on and off since 1/26/2011, which at this point is roughly 16 months.  The Met Council has been unavailable to meet with us between 5/24/2011 and 9/7/2011; and again from 12/13/2011 until 3/9/2012.

We made meaningful progress at the 3/22/2012 session at which the Met Council offered a proposal for progression through pay ranges.  TMSA offered a counter proposal.  During the bargaining session on 4/10/2012, the Met Council rejected the TMSA counter proposal.  In addition, the Council offered a new proposal that was significantly worse than that offered during the 3/22/2012 negotiating session.

At this time, your negotiating committee has requested mediation services from the Bureau of Mediation Services.  This step is necessary prior to any request we may need to make for binding arbitration.

Your negotiating committee sincerely appreciates your patience and understanding for this lengthy process.  Rest assured that our only goal is to obtain the best labor agreement possible for you, our members, who see that Metro Transit’s mission statement is fulfilled daily.