Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transit Labor topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public commenter says Akron Metro operators lack contract, holiday pay; urges council attention
Summary
During public comment, a speaker said Akron Metro bus operators and support staff have been negotiating for nearly two years without a contract and alleged some employees are being denied holiday and sick pay and fear retaliation for speaking out.
A public commenter told Akron City Council the Akron Metro Transportation system does not have a contract for operators and support staff and said negotiations have extended nearly two years.
Speaking during the public-comment period, a congregational leader identified as Apostolate said some Akron Metro employees are not receiving holiday pay for Juneteenth and Martin Luther King Jr. Day, are being denied sick pay and other benefits, and fear retaliation if they contact the media or speak publicly about conditions. "They are not recognizing the federal holidays of Juneteenth, as well as Reverend Doctor. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. And some of the employees are being denied vacation pay, holiday pay, sick pay," the speaker said.
The speaker also raised separate infrastructure concerns about inadequate internet service on Diagonal and requested traffic signals on Waterloo Road near I-77 to help disabled and senior residents cross near bus stops. The council did not record any immediate action, staff direction, or response to the contract claims during the meeting.
No union representatives or transit management representatives spoke at the meeting to confirm the labor status or the payroll claims on the record.
