The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and the Greater Dayton RTA continue to negotiate in mediation concerning their dispute, but they have essentially reached an agreement concerning healthcare.

According to ATU Local 1385 President Gerald Duncan, the members of the union will still need to vote on the terms officially, but they are hoping the dispute has been resolved.  Duncan stated in response to the terms of the healthcare settlement, “I will be honest with you, I do not even have the final copy in my hands yet.  It will probably be later this week or first of next week that we find anything about it”. He declined to give any specific details about the arrangement.

The most recent meeting between the two sides took place at Wright Stop Plaza, which is the transit systems downtown hub and where it is executive suites are located.  The meeting began at 8am and continued through the day until 3pm.  There were no details shared after the meeting, nor was there any information provided on whether or not the two sides would schedule a future meeting.

One person involved said that both sides engaged in good faith bargaining and said they are hoping to settle the matter as soon as possible.  Nobody wants to discuss the details of the talks with the media because they are afraid it would sabotage their mediation efforts.

The main crux of the dispute related to health care costs.  There was talk of a strike floated publicly in December, and the ATU elected a new president to represent members at the negotiating table during mediation.  According to the RTA, it will levy higher fares and offer fewer routes in the coming year.