Unionized bus drivers who serve northwestern Vermont are bracing for a strike following their overwhelming rejection of a proposed three-year labor contract.
Yesterday, the drivers of the Chittenden County Transportation Authority voted against the contract that had been negotiated by union leadership.
A federal mediation session is set for Thursday. A strike could begin at a 12:01 a.m. Friday.
The Burlington Free Press says a strike would halt bus service in Burlington, South Burlington, Winooski, Essex, Williston and Shelburne. It also would affect trips to Middlebury, Montpelier, Milton and St. Albans.
The issue separating the 62 drivers and the CCTA is a plan to increase the number of part-time bus drivers to help cover shifts and the possibility of cutting full-time hours from 40 to 37 and a half hours each week.