Weishan Says Abele Rides in Comfort While Average Citizens Wait for the Bus
“Abele’s anti-worker demands have led to a strike by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998...”
Milwaukee County Supervisor John Weishan, Jr., said today that County Executive Chris Abele has failed taxpayers and working Milwaukeeans by not coming to terms with Milwaukee County bus drivers and their union. The result, he said, is a strike.
“Abele’s anti-worker demands have led to a strike by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998, which represents Milwaukee County Transit workers,” Weishan said. “The work stoppage is a result of the County Executive’s demand for unrealistic cuts to healthcare and retirement benefits along with a failure to address working conditions and the use of part-time employees.
“Milwaukee County Transit workers provide a vital service to the citizens of Milwaukee County, getting people to work and school as well as everyday tasks like going to the grocery store or church on Sunday.”
Weishan said that people of all means rely on the transit system, and Abele’s failure to understand the working conditions of transit employees and the critical service they provide to our economy has led to the strike.
“It’s easy for Abele to demean the work that these employees provide as he rides around in his expensive, chauffeured SUV, but for the average person in Milwaukee County this arrogance only leaves them without a ride to work.
“Now is the time to make a respectful offer, one that reflects the importance that transit play in our economy and shows the respect to the hardworking people that provide this vital service.”
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Can someone get Weishan a link to the 13 Myths about the Bus Strike story?
By jumping in as an advocate for one side in a labor negotiation, Weishan makes the negotiation more difficult. Who represents the taxpayers and riders? I thought it was the county board.