HOLYOKE — The PVTA union strike has been averted, and Holyoke Mayor Joshua Garcia shared some thoughts with the public following the announcement after being part of pressure put on the parties involved to come to a resolution for workers in need of the transportation services.
Garcia said he was relieved and grateful that the strike was averted for the sake of the public dependent on the transportation.
“There was a lot of work happening behind the scenes to understand the issue and get parties back to the table for good faith bargaining. Particularly, Gov. [Maura] Healey’s office and state Sen. Adam Gomez (D-Springfield) who quickly understood the ramifications and impact this strike could have had to our communities and helped get cool heads to prevail that brought about this outcome,” Garcia said.
He added thank yous to fellow surrounding mayors who also assisted in communicating the urgency to the public.
The week prior, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority Workers were preparing to strike following a stall in negotiations. Negotiations with the PVTA had been ongoing since March.
A main wedge in negotiations was on wage increase, with the union initially looking for an 18% increase. Eventually, both parties agreed to a 14-15% increase, helping resolve the issue before an official strike could begin.
The PVTA argued meeting the union’s demands in full would result in a devastating reduction in service. If a strike had been carried out, there would be no bus service in Holyoke, except for Routes 41 and 48. There would also be no bus service in Springfield, West Springfield, Agawam, Chicopee, Longmeadow, East Longmeadow, Ludlow, Westfield or Wilbraham.
“I want drivers and mechanics to make a good living, and I want the PVTA bus service to continue throughout the Valley without a reduction in service,” he added.
Garcia was adamant following the announced plans to strike that there must be a resolution before residents trying to get to work were impacted.
“Although I respect the give-and-take of collective bargaining, and I recognize the right of workers to strike, as mayor I am deeply disappointed and distressed by the PVTA drivers and mechanics’ refusal to meet and negotiate in good faith to avert a work stoppage,” Garcia stated.
Garcia said a strike would have been “uncaring and unnecessary,” and that the union’s 18% salary increase was unrealistic based on the revenue sources available through the allocated funding.
“Our passengers rely on PVTA buses to get them to work, essential appointments, school and more. Few of our riders have other options to meet their transportation needs,” Garcia said. “Please understand that personally, I am not willing to gamble on the livelihoods of our most vulnerable people because cool heads can’t prevail. A strike would force the PVTA to explore other options to ensure the people in our communities have transportation. I urge both sides to come together to resume negotiations and avoid an unnecessary and irresponsible strike.”
