MOBILE — A group of transit workers showed up to the Mobile City Council meeting Tuesday with a union representative instead of going to work, leaving some citizens stranded.
The bus drivers are employed by The WAVE Transit System, which is contracted by the City.
Amalgamated Transit Union president of Local Division 770 Antonie Maiben led the group in asking for respect from management and better work conditions.
"We're having to fight for everything," Maiben told 1819 News. "A lot of the guys, a lot of the workers just got tired and said, 'We're fed up."
Complaints include being threatened and assaulted by riders and told not to call the police, poor facility conditions and buses without heating and air. Maiben said workers who participated in the council meeting Tuesday were being threatened with suspension or termination by management.
The City owns the buses but is not responsible for their maintenance.
Councilman William Carroll said his district was impacted Tuesday morning when bus drivers attended the council meeting instead of driving their routes. He said he hopes to get to a compromise between all parties.
"I mean we have people stranded, who need to go to the doctor, who need to go to their jobs," said Carroll.
The City gives The WAVE Transit System $10 million, not only for the City of Mobile but to make up for surrounding municipalities that cannot pay their share.
City Attorney Ricardo Woods said changes could be made if services are not being provided.
"The primary goal is to restore the service to our citizens because that's what we're contracted for as a city," Woods said. "And so, if those services being provided, then the funds don't always necessarily flow the same way."
Preston Johnson, the general manager of the WAVE Transit System, spoke at the meeting and said some of the allegations were untrue.
"We're willing to resolve whatever issue that they have," said Johnson.
Maiben said a strike among the 80 employees in the Mobile area could happen if changes are not made.
"All we want is for management to come to the table," he added. "Like I said, bargaining in good faith, have an open mind as we do. It's about decency, respect, and, you know, we actually should be working together."
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