Rock Region Metro drivers fight for higher wages, more paid time off

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The fight for higher wages continues at the bus stop. Over the past month, drivers have been in negotiations with Rock Region Metro, calling for higher wages and more paid time off.

Getting around the Capital City usually isn’t too difficult, whether you choose to bike, ride, or walk. However, if you’re a sitting passenger on the public bus, the wait may be longer than expected.

In the last two years, Local 704 Amalgamated Transit Union President said nearly 30 drivers have either quit or gotten fired from the job.

He says this is creating an issue amongst drivers who are still on the job and those who are waiting for the bus.

The union president says some routes have been red lighted all together because of the lack of drivers.

“If there’s no driver to drive that bus, that bus will be red lighted, that means the people in that area will not get picked up at the time that bus was supposed to be there so those people have to try and find a way home, a way to work, a way to the doctor’s appointment,” ATU local president Floydell Bibbs said.

In the last month, the union and Rock Region Metro have been going back and forth to try and settle on an agreement.

The union says they want their drivers to make at least $22 an hour. They also want more paid time off and less overtime.

“Somebody could come to work at 4:30 in the morning and they might not leave until 8 that night,” Bibbs said. “I shouldn’t have to work all day to take home a decent check.”

Bibbs said Rock Region has granted more holiday time, but he is pushing for more.

KARK 4 News attempted to reach out to Rock Region for more information, but they were unavailable for comment.

As of July 1, the current contract for drivers in Little Rock is up, which means in the coming days anything could happen.

“I will continue to fight for these members. If it costs me my job, I don’t care,” Bibbs stated.

Bibbs said another meeting between the union and Rock Region is scheduled for this week.

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