This past week, public transit riders, bus drivers, union members and organizers came together to picket outside of the Buhl Building in support of SMART bus drivers. As onlookers walked past the display of disruption and power, they heard ATU members chanting, “Time to pay our riders more,” “A new contract cannot wait,” and “What kind of power? Union power!”
After two bus drivers were fired in retaliation for speaking out at last month’s board meeting, after almost 2 years without a contract, after a scarcity of drivers forcing 14-hour shifts under an unlivable wage, drivers said enough. At the next board meeting for SMART buses, they made sure their demands were heard for more drivers, higher wages, and an end to contract negotiations.
Among the picketers was Transportation Riders United & DJJ Board Member, Joel Batterman, leading the chants and bringing together Detroiters so our drivers and riders are mutually respected.
