Driver Absences Amid Labor Dispute Disrupt Rochester Bus System

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The company operating Rochester’s public transit system contends that canceled routes and other service disruptions today are connected to contract negotiations with the union representing Rochester Public Transit drivers.

Transdev issued a statement this afternoon saying 40% of the union drivers scheduled to work today in Rochester called in sick or took time off for other reasons. The shortage of drivers prompted Rochester Public Transit to issue an alert this morning about disruptions caused by last-minute driver absences.

A Dozen Routes Affected

The disruptions involved a dozen RPT routes and caused 27 trips to be missed. It’s unclear how many public transit users were impacted.

RPT drivers represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 recently voted to authorize a strike against Transdev, but a strike date was not set.

Strike Authorization

The company’s statement says Transdev is currently in contract negotiations with the union and there is an existing agreement to extend the drivers’ contract while negotiations continue. It goes on to say that “unilateral actions that interrupt service expose the organization to significant operational consequences that adversely affect our customers and hinder any meaningful path forward in negotiations.”

The statement also included language from the existing contract:

It is understood and agreed that the services performed by the Company employees included in the agreement are essential to public safety and welfare. It is also understood that, given the Company contract to provide service for the City of Rochester, service must not be disrupted in order for the contract to remain in effect and in good standing. It is therefore agreed that there will be no interruption of the work provided for in this contract for any cause whatsoever, nor shall there be any slowdown or other interference with the services. The Company, for its part, shall not authorize, sanction, or engage in the lockout of employees covered by this agreement.

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Transdev says it will continue to act in good faith and expects the same from the union as work continues toward reaching a new labor agreement.

In response to the situation, the City of Rochester issued the following statement:

The City of Rochester and Rochester Public Transit (RPT) recognize the significant disruption caused by today’s operator call-offs and the impact on riders who depend on transit for work, school, medical appointments, and other essential trips.

We are working directly with Transdev to prioritize high-ridership and critical routes in order to maintain core service levels while staffing challenges continue. Our focus is ensuring safe operations and minimizing further disruption to the extent possible.

Riders are strongly encouraged to download the Transit app and pin their regular routes to receive push notifications. All service updates, delays, and cancellations will be communicated through the app in real time.

The City remains committed to maintaining a safe, reliable, and sustainable public transit system and will continue coordinating closely with our operator as negotiations proceed.

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