STRIKE AT RTA: Dayton Chamber says strike impacting businesses

The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce has updated its membership regarding the strike impacting the Greater Dayton RTA, and found there is “clearly” an impact.

ATU Local 1385 and RTA officials are meeting now at the Crowne Plaza Dayton.

“Member feedback has clearly stated that there is an impact for a number of our member businesses that is affecting their workforce and/or customers,” the email from President Phil Parker states. “As a taxpayer-funded community transit service we know fully the importance of our (RTA)”

The message states the chamber is “not picking sides.”

“Our intent is to encourage the two groups to remain at the table until they can get this resolved … but that could take time, energy and patience,” the email states.

The organization will hold a press conference tomorrow morning in the event an agreement is not reached by then.

ORIGINAL REPORT

The head of Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce warned of “detrimental” consequences if the strike against the Greater Dayton RTA continues.

The regional transit authority and its union membership are meeting with a state-appointed mediator today at the Crowne Plaza Dayton.

RELATED: What are the key Dayton RTA negotiating issues?

The chamber has not taken a position on the strike other than to encourage the parties to work this out “as quickly as possible,” said Phil Parker, the chamber’s president.

Parker said he’s spoken with both sides to express “an expectation” the parties will be at the table, noting he was “very grateful” they are today.

“We certainly hope it does not linger on because it does have negative impacts on our community,” said Parker. “If this progresses and lingers it becomes harder and harder for those folks to get to work or get to medical facilities, and that can be detrimental for them whatever the case may be.”

On Tuesday, the chamber leadership sent an email to members asking for feedback on the strike. Parker said he anticipates getting more feedback over coming days.

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