James Macon

MCTS Working On Bus Security. Again

Number of security incidents has declined but most bus drivers report feeling unsafe.

Nicholson Boots Weishan Off Committee

Board's leader takes away both his transportation chair position and committee membership. "It's unheard of."

Bus Drivers Union Leader Forced Out

James Macon loses presidency as International ATU takes over Local 998.

Labor Council Concerned About Reports out of Milwaukee VA

COVID-19 At The Bargaining Table

Unions, employers discuss workplace changes in the age of pandemic.

Bus Driver Tests Positive for COVID-19

Transit union calls for personal protective equipment for operators. MCTS says drivers protected by shield.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 Endorses Senator Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive

James Macon, President of ATU Local 998, stated, “ATU 998 members are proud to give their endorsements to Chris Larson for Milwaukee County Executive.

Seven Will Run for County Executive

Gwen Moore endorses Lipscomb, Crowley has raised $53,000, no word from Abele.

Why the Bus Union Didn’t Strike

MCTS offer of back pay for workers, and weariness after 21 months bargaining, were key.

Thursday Transit Strike Averted

Transit union will vote on contract offer from MCTS.

Bus Drivers Ready (Again) To Strike

Transit union leader says negotiations with MCTS going nowhere, threatens strike.

Revised Budget Saves More Transit

Board scrapes the barrel for funds to save bus routes, prevent various service cuts.

Bus Union Threatens Strike By October 25

Demands new contract proposal by then. Transit officials say they will meet the deadline.

Transit Union Stages Rally

Calls for contract to include to backpay and driver security measures, and for the restoration of bus routes.

Bus Union Authorizes a Strike

The union votes no on MCTS' final contract offer, gives leadership power to call strike.

Bus Union Threatens Strike By Friday

Union leader predicts a strike, but some workers likely to favor contract being offered.

Bus Union’s Budget Claims Disputed

Its claim that MCTS has big annual surpluses misrepresents the budget, comptroller says.

Abele Urges Bus Drivers to Settle Contract

Union and county transit system have been in contract fight for 18 months.

ATU Local 998 Challenges MCTS 2020 ‘Budget Hole’ Projection

Preliminary investigation points to millions of over projected MCTS operating expenses since 2015

Transit Negotiations Over, What’s Next?

MCTS makes its best and final offer. Union must accept it or go on strike.

Abele’s Power Over County Transit Targeted

Proposal gives county supervisors and employees more power over county bus system.

Should Sheriff Provide Security on Buses?

It would cost more and issue divides bus drivers and riders. No action taken on idea.

Transit System Plans 10% Service Cut

"Out of local funding options” says MCTS leader. Union pressed for benefit givebacks.

Bus Drivers Union Assails MCTS Leaders

"The fight is on," says union leader, as labor negotiations hit wall over health care coverage.

Public Favors Transit System’s Redesign

Plan means faster, more frequent buses, slightly fewer stops in Milwaukee County.

Bus Drivers’ Union Fights New Contract

Transit system cites $6 million deficit, wants workers to pay more for health care.

County May Study Security Officers for Buses

County committee unanimously approves study, will next go to full board.

Last Minute Amendment Saves Job Line

County board will pay to extend bus line to jobs in Waukesha, Washington counties.

Bus Line to Foxconn Could Transport Workers

Lipscomb proposal could transport thousands, promote regional transportation.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998 Endorses Mahlon Mitchell for Governor

Local 998 represents more than 1,100 members in Milwaukee, Waukesha, Kenosha and Sheboygan.

Transit Workers Union Announces Milwaukee Streetcar Labor Peace Agreement

The private agreement ensures that workers running the streetcar system will be able to join the transit union.

Should County Operate Streetcar?

Board members push -- belatedly -- for county transit to operate streetcar.

Experts Say County Wheel Tax Needed

14% of residents have no car, need transit system the tax would fund.

Bus System Will Go Paperless

Paper transfers and tickets are gone, but the union is still upset.

Breaking News! Contract Ratified by 81% of ATU Local 998 Members

ATU Local 998 president James Macon released this statement.

Chris Abele: county to drop part-time drivers to end transit impasse

Milwaukee Transit Workers Reject MCTS Proposal

The union has sent a letter to MCTS requesting they come back to the bargaining table to resume negotiations.

Milwaukee Transit Workers to Vote on MCTS Proposal Tomorrow

“This proposal doesn’t make sense for our members or for Milwaukee riders.”

MCTS asks Union Members to Seriously Consider Contract Offer

The contract offer comes after months of meetings between MCTS, ATU and the Federal Mediator.

As Contract Talks Continue, ATU Leader Insists on $9 Million More

The public should be aware that Macon’s $9 million proposal would have a huge impact on the community.

Bus Strike Forces Riders to Seek Alternatives

Thousands left stranded and struggling to find other means of transit.

Who’s To Blame for Bus Strike?

The union? Chris Abele? John Weishan? Scott Walker? A frank assessment.

15 Myths About The Bus Strike (and More)

Bus service continuing, but union president references more potential work stoppages. What else did he say?

As bus drivers vote, transit union chief predicting strike

Milwaukee County bus drivers, mechanics authorize leaders to call strike