The union representing Jackson bus drivers and transportation workers has issued a 72-hour strike notice, according to a statement from the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1208. The union says it will continue negotiations with MV Transportation, the Texas company contracted to operate JTRAN, in hopes of reaching an agreement before the deadline.
If no deal is reached by Sunday, union members plan to strike at 4 a.m. Monday, the union said. Union president and business agent Charles Tornes Jr. expressed concern for riders and said the union does not want a strike to occur.
The union, which has more than 60 members, voted last month to authorize a strike. JTRAN provides transportation for low-income and disabled residents of Jackson who rely on the service for work, medical appointments, and shopping. Although JTRAN is publicly funded, its employees are employed by MV Transportation, which describes itself as the largest privately owned transportation company in the U.S.
The two sides have been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement since the previous contract expired in December. The union has sought better pay raises, while MV Transportation has proposed changes including new safety policies and allowing drivers without commercial licenses to operate smaller vehicles for on-demand microtransit services.
Tensions escalated in late May after the union learned that Mayor John Horhn and his administration were presenting a city council plan drafted by MV Transportation. The proposal would reduce JTRAN’s roughly $9 million budget by 20%, eliminating two routes, ending Saturday service, and shortening workdays by two hours. It also suggested expanding microtransit using existing paratransit vehicles, raising concerns among disabled riders who depend on JTRAN for mobility.
The union previously went on a two-week strike in September 2024 over issues related to job security, safety, and treatment, according to union officials.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
