Lynx bus system rejects union call for higher wages, other benefits

By Dan Tracy, Orlando Sentinel
2:24 p.m. EST, September 7, 2012

Lynx management has rejected the recommendations of a special magistrate who backed the union in its long-standing dispute with the regional bus system over pay raises, pensions and other issues.

That means the five-member board of Lynx will settle the disagreement, and there seems to be little doubt it will side Lynx chief executive John Lewis. The panel meets Sept. 27. "I have not strayed from the board's original marching orders," Lewis said.

Board members, including the chairman, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, have not spoken publicly about the union talks that resulted in five contested issues, ranging from pay and pension benefits to reimbursements for tools and uniforms.

In a 20-page Special Magistrate Robert Hoffman wrote that Lynx did not prove that it lacked the money to meet the union's desires.

But his decision was nonbinding, leaving the ultimate outcome to the board. The union does not have the ability to strike legally.

Norm Audet, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596, said he was disappointed by Lewis' decision, saying, "I think we've sacrificed over the last four years."

Unionized bus drivers and mechanics have been working without a contract since 2009 and not had a raise since October 2008. In addition to the wage freeze, they have been locked out of pay-grade promotions based on years of service.

Lynx has offered a $200 lump-sum payment, plus a half-percent raise and a one-grade promotion for qualified drivers. The union, which represents more than 350 people, is seeking a 1.5 percent raise, plus a return to all pay-grade promotions.

Lewis said his offer to the union was predicated on keeping fares at $2 apiece and avoiding layoffs. He scoffed at the notion that Lynx has the money to be more generous, saying his agency no longer has federal stimulus money and had to dip into a savings account for $3.2 million to balance the budget.

dltracy@tribune.com or 407-420-5444.

Source: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/os-lynx-contract-reject-20120907,0,3521600.story?track=rss

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