Transport Workers Union Local 1 members who maintain and operate the Akron-Metro bus system voted 269 to 1 today to authorize a strike.

The vote empowers Local 1 leaders to call a service-halting strike at the date and time of their choosing. The workers’ contract with Akron-Metro expired on June 1, 2024. Negotiations and an arbitrator’s recommendation have failed to bring the two sides together.

“Akron Metro CEO Dawn Distler and Board President Mark Derrig have treated us with the utmost contempt and disrespect,” Local 1 President Wayne Cole said. “We haven’t had a raise in more than three years. They want to increase our out-of-pocket healthcare costs by $2,000 a year. And they don’t think Juneteenth is important enough to make it a holiday. Enough is enough. We’re not taking it anymore.”

Another sticking point angering workers: CEO Distler received annual raises and bonuses totaling more than $70,000 while workers have received no increases during the ongoing affordability crisis with rising inflation.

Cole also questioned how Akron Mayor Shammas Malik, who appoints half of the Akron Metro board, has not made settling the contract dispute a top priority.

“He has an opportunity to stand up for blue-collar Akron, or side with the two-faced Akron bosses who talk a good game but really don’t give a damn about transit workers,” Transport Workers Union International President John Samuelsen said.

Local 1 represents more than 300 Bus Operators, Vehicle Service Workers, and Clerical Workers.

“The Transport Workers Union of America has Local 1’s back, and we will continue to do whatever we can to help secure a fair contract,” Samuelsen said. “Whatever is needed, we will provide, whether that’s more resources, more union boots on the ground, more public outreach explaining just how terrible Akron Metro management has been, or anything else, we’re going to deliver.”

Local 1 is required to give 10 days’ notice prior to starting a strike. Negotiations are expected to resume tomorrow.