JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Update Dec. 17, 2023: According to Jacksonville Transportation Authority, they have reached an agreement with the International Association of Machinists.
This is a statement from a spokesperson at JTA:
“The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) is pleased to announce that it has reached an agreement with International Association of Machinists (IAM) Lodge 112, who voted in favor of a 3-year contract.”
Action News Jax has learned the mechanics’ union for the Jacksonville Transportation Authority has voted to strike.
That means more than seventy workers in charge of keeping JTA’s fleet up and running could walk off the job ahead of the upcoming work week.
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Multiple sources close to the issue say the IAMAW members voted down JTA’s final offer Saturday morning, Dec. 16, opting instead to strike.
Now, it’s up to JTA to come back with an agreement offer. A JTA spokesperson said on Sunday morning, the authority may have an updated statement during the day.
On Saturday we reached out to JTA about its plan to handle a work stoppage and the possibility of an agreement before the work week begins.
JTA released the following statement:
“The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) has been engaged in good-faith negotiations with International Association of Machinists (IAM) Lodge 112 for several months. As with all labor negotiations, we cannot comment on ongoing discussions. Fixed-route, BRT and Gameday Xpress services will be uninterrupted. We deeply value our front-line workforce and their significant role in serving the Jacksonville community, and we are optimistic about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. We will update the media as developments warrant.”
The City of Jacksonville stated, “We are aware of the strike and it will not have any impact on shuttle service for the game tomorrow.”
This comes amid Action News Jax’s investigation into JTA and its CEO.
Read: ANJ Investigation holding JTA accountable for performance issues and possible problems
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Action News Jax uncovered massive spending on executive travel, significant absences at the office, a faltering bus service, and a drastic dip in reserve funds.
We are staying on top of the story and will update you with any details as we get them.
To see our full investigation into JTA so far, go to Action News Jax Investigates and click on the ‘Taken for a Ride?’ icon.
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