Greater Dayton RTA union files for injunction

The union representing bus drivers and other employees of the Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority has filed a lawsuit against the agency claiming it is violating the terms of a collective bargaining agreement by eliminating certain job categories.

On Monday, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1385, which represents about 350 RTA drivers as well as other employees, filed suit in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court seeking a temporary restraining order and injunction against the RTA.

In the lawsuit, the union claims the agency has decided to eliminate a division of drivers called "combination operators" who perform both fixed-route passenger service (traditional operators) and as-demanded transportation services for elderly and handicapped passengers (project mobility operators).

The union contends the agency is getting rid of combination positions and shifting these drivers into either traditional or project mobility roles.

The union said RTA is prohibiting combination operators from using their bargaining seniority in selecting their work assignments as they shift into a new division.

The suit claims the restructuring will result in the loss of seniority for some union members, and that violates the union's collective bargaining agreement.

The union has asked the court to issue an injunction preserving the current operator categories and job roles as the grievance and arbitration process takes place. The union has filed two grievances related to the restructuring.

An RTA spokesman did not immediately return requests Monday night for comment. The president of Local 1385 declined to comment on the case and referred questions to the union's attorney.

About the Author