AUSTIN, TEXAS — Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1019 has asked more than 1,400 CapMetro workers to hold back on taking overtime and extra shifts while negotiations for a new contract continue. The union has warned that a strike could occur in June or July if workers are not offered more pay, vacation time and proper training periods.

Brent Payne, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1019, said a strike is not looming at the moment but added that Keolis North America has stalled contract negotiations since September. He said the parties will return to negotiations on Thursday morning.

"We have submitted our proposal to the company, and we're waiting on them to give us a counter." Payne said.

He described the workforce represented by the local. "We're at about 900 operators, probably 400 maintenance and technicians, 20 or so supervisors and about 16 dispatchers and only two trainers. Only two trainers." he said. He also raised concerns about the time allotted for new operators to learn their routes. "Austin is a very big city, and they're only given roughly around three weeks to learn the city. That's it." he said.

Payne outlined the steps that could lead to a work stoppage. "If whatever they give us as a proposal we don't agree on or we can't accept, I would ask them for a best and final. Then I would go to my members to either ratify the contract or authorize me to call a strike." he said. The local previously went on strike in 2005 and 2008.

Andy Skabowski, chief operating officer of CapMetro, said transit will continue to operate by adjusting operations based on available manpower. He said the union does not negotiate with CapMetro directly and that he and the transit board are monitoring the talks.

"Keolis is a firm that does this throughout the country. They negotiate contracts with their local units all over the place." Skabowski said. He said training progression for new employees is based on individual performance rather than time in training.

Joey Hudegins, who is new to Austin and does not drive a car, has been relying on CapMetro to get to work. "It's been good." he said. "It's probably about 10 minutes. It's just over to Riverside."

CapMetro's fare is $1.25. If service were disrupted, Hudegins said, "I would probably take an Uber every day, even though it's expensive."