A 10-day strike that inconvenienced about 9,000 wheelchair users and other people with disabilities who depend on Access-a-Ride, a government-financed van service, ended on Wednesday when members of Local 1181 of the Amalgamated Transit Union voted to ratify a contract settlement.þþAbout 1,500 drivers and mechanics began their strike on Dec. 10, shutting down operations at Atlantic Paratrans, Maggie’s Paratransit, MV Transportation and Transit Facility Management. The companies operate about half of the approximately 20,500 rides provided on an average weekday under the paratransit program, which runs door-to-door van service for eligible residents. The companies will resume taking reservations on Thursday.þþFifty-three percent of union members who voted accepted the settlement offer. þþThe union said the settlement addressed the issues that were in dispute: wages, health care and the duration of the contract.þþ
Source: NY Times
