Missouri Jobs with Justice leader and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1287 President Will Howard felt a contract fight might be coming that would impact vital city workers. These workers kept the city running through the pandemic and adapted to more permanent challenges such as fare-free bussing. These workers were making reasonable demands for a contract that would improve the lives of their families and coworkers. MO JwJ leaders and activists showed up outside KCATA during contract negotiations to ensure the workers felt supported and negotiators knew where the community stood. It’s not always possible to avoid a drawn-out contract negotiation, but by calling on community members to be there, ATU 1287 was able to put more money into working people’s pockets. ATU 1287 delivered an 8% increase for mechanics, 7% for bus operators, and 5% for the rest of the staff. ATU and MO JwJ showed the city once again that working people stand together.
