A potential strike by Dallas Area Rapid Transit paratransit workers has been averted after union representatives and contractor Transdev reached a tentative labor agreement following days of negotiations.<\/p>\n
The agreement was announced<\/a> Tuesday evening by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1338, which represents DART paratransit workers employed by Transdev. The deal comes after workers voted earlier this month to authorize a strike that could have disrupted transportation services for North Texans with disabilities and mobility challenges.<\/p>\n Agreement Reached<\/p>\n Union officials said the tentative agreement includes wage increases, improved benefits, vacation time, training provisions, holidays, and other workplace improvements.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re pleased to announce that after days of intense negotiations, Local 1338 has reached a tentative agreement with Transdev,\u201d Local 1338 President and Business Agent Donnie Jolly said in a statement. \u201cThe transit agency recognized the important role our paratransit members play in the community by complying with their contract to provide fair wages and benefits to live in the Dallas area.\u201d<\/p>\n Paratransit services provide door-to-door transportation for riders who are unable to use DART\u2019s fixed-route bus and rail network because of disabilities or mobility limitations.<\/p>\n Workers voted<\/a> 160-1 earlier this month to authorize a strike after negotiations with Transdev failed to produce an agreement. According to union officials, bargaining discussions intensified over the past several days to prevent a work stoppage.<\/p>\n Service Disruptions Avoided<\/p>\n