3/4/2025 UAW TCAT Bargaining Update

UAW TCAT Bargaining Update

March 4, 2025

Today’s bargaining session started with questions from the team about incentivizing mechanics who hold CDL licenses. Management did not think the idea would help recruit or keep mechanics with CDLs. We asked for clarity and consistency on scheduling the team to also drive on negotiating days, which received the response that dispatch seemed to be uninformed and it would be addressed.

At around 10:45 a.m. the UAW offered a counter wage demand and had a discussion around ‘carrots vs. sticks’ in motivating staff to work at TCAT and to stay; we stated, again, that whatever has been utilized by management has not been working, as witnessed by the endless turnover and short staffing. TCAT swears it’s not sticks!

We explained that our demands would catch staff up to the inflation we have all endured the last years and offered consistent dollar amounts between step progressions. It considers the learning curve of becoming skilled operators and mechanics. Further, everyone working at TCAT would earn at least the current living wage for Tompkins County.

At 2:36 p.m., TCAT came to the table and made what they called their “LAST, BEST and FINAL” offer. They stated that their offer was contingent on the UAW dropping everything else not included in their package that has not been already agreed upon tentatively.

What is not included is a Living Wage for every UAW TCAT Member. What is included in TCAT’s LAST/ BEST/FINAL:

· No COLA!

· No double time guarantee!

· No possibility to refuse Mandates!

· No employee concern process!

· No consideration for workers for designated bargaining time!

· No 401(k) improvements!

· A one-time ratification bonus (read: bribe) of $500 before taxes

Our next Rally is at the Green St. Station this Saturday, March 8 at 12:45 to 1:15 p.m. - PLEASE WEAR RED! 

Also, a STRIKE AUTHORIZATION VOTE will be held on March 11 and 12 at TCAT, details coming soon - STAY TUNED!

In solidarity,

UAW TCAT Bargaining Team