Looming strike
has bus riders
weighing options
Bus riders have differing views on the threat of a strike tomorrow by 1,400 members of the Teamsters union.
While some riders support the idea of a strike, others say the demands by bus drivers are unrealistic.
"We're terribly upset," said Makiki resident Dawn Wegger, adding that the city cannot afford to meet the contract proposals by Teamsters Local 996, the union representing drivers and other bus company employees.
"It's going to be terribly inconvenient," said Wegger, who rode City Express Route B yesterday with her husband, Larry, after having breakfast at the Outrigger Waikiki.
Negotiators from Oahu Transit Services, the private company that operates the bus system for the city, are scheduled to meet with union negotiators at 1:30 p.m. today in a last-ditch bargaining session to head off a strike set to start at 12:01 a.m. tomorrow.
Meanwhile, the City Council meets today to discuss a proposed increase in bus fares that, if approved, could raise enough revenue to prevent bus service cuts and layoffs, a key issue for the union in negotiations.
Wegger said she empathized with other riders like students, but primarily with senior citizens who depend on the bus to go to church, shopping centers or to medical appointments.
Larry Wegger criticized the union's proposal for a wage increase, saying they earn more than police officers.
"These people get paid more than the cops do. ... Get real."
The Teamsters' latest proposal calls for a 40- to 60-cent-per-hour wage hike for each year of a three-year contract. The union also wants a pension increase of 50 cents an hour in each of the next three years. OTS is offering a wage freeze for the next two years with a reduction in vacation and sick-leave benefits for new employees.
The Weggers, of Makiki, said they plan to stay closer to home if the bus drivers strike.
Debbie, a Kalihi resident who regularly rides the bus to work in Waikiki, said bus drivers deserve more because of the responsibility they face daily.
"Give them what they want," she said. Debbie, a cocktail waitress at Princess Kaiulani's Pikake Terrace who did not want to give her last name, said, "They have a lot of lives on their hands."
She said riding the bus allows her to relax without having to worry about finding a parking space or paying for gas.
"This is easier," she said.
While heading to work at the Bishop Museum, Makiki resident Steve Tearney said he thought about purchasing a bike to commute to work in the event of a strike. He seemed to be taking the threat of a strike in stride.
"I thought I would start making some phone calls on Tuesday, maybe Monday."
Places ride-sharers can meet
Drivers with extra seats and people who need rides to work or the University of Hawaii are encouraged to meet at various locations around Oahu and form "Ohana Carpools." City Transportation Director Cheryl Soon said the plan is still being worked on and locations may change, but people seeking to carpool should be able to go to:
>> Kailua District ParkDrivers and people needing rides back to drop-off points in the afternoon should go to:
>> Kapolei Hale
>> Pearl City Youth Center in Manana
>> Wahiawa Botanical Gardens
>> City Square in Kalihi
>> Hawaii Kai Park and Ride
>> Kaneohe District Park Gym
>> Mililani Park and Ride
>> Kunia Park and Ride
>> Waipahu Gym
>> Niu Valley Shopping Center
>> Sinclair Circle
>> Hotel Street
>> Sinclair Circle (UH-Manoa)
>> Hale Koa Hotel parking lot
