Service & Solidarity Spotlight: JTRAN Workers Ratify Contract with MV Transportation

Working people across the United States regularly step up to help out our friends, neighbors and communities during these trying times. In our Service & Solidarity Spotlight series, we’ll showcase one of these stories every day. Here’s today’s story.

After more than a month walking the picket line, JTRAN workers represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1208 in Jackson, Mississippi, have ratified a powerful new agreement with contractor MV Transportation.

ATU members staged a work stoppage in mid-July in response to management’s bad-faith bargaining and unfair labor practices. By the time JTRAN workers went on strike, their previous contract had expired more than six months earlier.

“Our members stood strong and united throughout this process. MV tried to divide us. They brought in scab bus operators and refused to address our concerns,” said Local 1208 President/Business Agent Charles Tornes Jr. “This strike shows that our members are willing to lay it all on the line for justice. I want to thank our riders, and all our allies for coming out and standing with us.”

“I am proud of our JTRAN members who were willing to go to the mat to fight for their contract and a better transit system for their riders. On the picket lines, I saw firsthand their strength, unity, and solidarity,” said ATU International President John Costa. “It was less than two years ago that these workers went on strike, and once again they won a strong contract. They are frontline heroes and can now get back to the job of keeping Jackson moving safely and reliably. It was an honor to hold the line with you.”