JTRAN strike ends after 39 days as city, union and contractor reach deal

The City of Jackson announced Thursday that MV Transportation and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1208-Jackson reached a deal to end a 39-day strike that sidelined JTRAN, the capital city’s public transit system, the city said.

The union said the new contract meets its demands for fair pay, better working conditions and strong benefits. “This strike shows that our members are willing to lay it all on the line for justice,” Local 1208 President Charles Tornes Jr. said, and he thanked riders and allies who supported the workers, the union said.

Jackson Mayor John Horn praised the agreement, saying it benefits drivers and residents. “Our drivers play an essential role in getting people to work, school, medical appointments, grocery stores and other important destinations. They deserve to be treated with respect and to have a safe workplace,” Horn said. “My priority throughout this process has been making sure Jackson residents have access to safe, reliable transportation delivered by well-qualified, professional drivers who serve the best interests of the public,” he said, according to the city.

The union accused contractor MV Transportation of “unlawfully” monitoring workers and of unilaterally changing work rules in retaliation, the union said. In a statement before the deal, MV Transportation accused union leadership of “bad faith bargaining” that it said cost union members thousands of dollars in proposed wage increases, the company said.

The city said this is the second strike by JTRAN workers in less than two years; the previous walkout in September 2024 lasted 14 days. The city thanked JTRAN drivers, union leadership and MV Transportation for their efforts to reach a resolution, the city said.

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