Company locks out bus workers in Phoenix

PHOENIX - The company that operates one-third of Phoenix's city buses locked out dozens of workers early Monday in a contract dispute, officials said.

Negotiations between Veolia Transportation Services and the Teamsters Union broke down Sunday afternoon, and the company locked out 60 unionized employees when the old contract expired a minute after midnight.

"This is a scary time for families and myself," said locked out worker Tony Carrasco.  "We build a platform and they take it away. It hurt us mentally, emotionally and physically."

The company operates 33 of the city's 99 routes.

Veolia spokesman Val Michael said the lockout was necessary to minimize disruptions to bus service, "rather than just have a surprise strike possibly in the middle of the day and leaving more riders stranded."

Veolia brought in extra workers so the lockout would not have as big an effect on bus routes Monday morning.

International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 104 will not put up a picket line Monday despite the lockout, said Andy Marshall, the labor group's principal executive officer.

"Our members are ready, willing and able to work and they're going to show up to work," Marshall said Sunday night.

But city officials advised passengers to remain on alert because a strike could occur at anytime.

"We advise passengers to consider alternative travel plans until we know agreements are firm," said Marie Chapple, a spokeswoman for Phoenix's Public Transit Department. "It's a very fluid situation."

Phoenix and Valley Metro are offering suggestions for those who depend on the bus to get to work during the lockout.

The bus line suggests riders plan ahead and use the Trip Planner on ValleyMetro.org for bus and METRO schedules.

Schedules of non-affected bus routes and the METRO schedule are online allowing passengers to use an alternative route. Also available are maps of unaffected bus routes available via ValleyMetro.org.

Valley Metro offers a ride matching system that allows commuters to quickly and securely find a carpool partner based on proximity, destination and travel route by going to ValleyMetro.org.

News of the failed negotiations irritated many Valley bus riders.

"If they go on strike, I'm in a pickle," said Steve Weaver of Phoenix. "I can't get nowhere. I'm stuck."

"I literally would not be able to go to work," said Tiffany Floyd of Phoenix. "If it continues into the week, I wouldn't be able to go to school either."

"I'm going to have to do a whole lot of walking, that's what I'm going to have to do," added Weaver.

Other riders hope the two sides can reach an agreement and avoid a strike.

"Put the stupidity aside, go back to the table and do it until the contract is signed," said Jeff Melvin of Phoenix.

For updates on the contract negotiations as well as the city's contingency plans, click here .