Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 757 represents transit workers across the region who operate and maintain public transportation. Our members provide crucial public services every day and advocate for safe working conditions, fair pay, and reliable transit for riders. Our members out of MTM Salem provide public transit to our most vulnerable populations: our elderly and disabled community members who are not able to use public transit buses.

Unfortunately, this employer seems not to value the important service these workers provide. Currently, we have an unfair contract proposal from MTM Salem that would provide insignificant wage increase while simultaneously gutting insurance benefits. Under the company’s current proposal, some paratransit workers would earn as little as $17 an hour. As you know, this is far below what is needed to support a family or make ends meet in our community.

ATU 757 members perform essential paratransit work every day, transporting elderly riders, passengers with disabilities, and other vulnerable community members. Their jobs require patience, skill, and compassion; they should be celebrated for that service, not taken advantage of with low pay and weakened insurance. Please join us at the Salem Cherriots Board Meeting on September 25^th to let them know that what their contractor is doing to workers is not acceptable. Contracting out work is NOT an excuse to turn their back on workers and community members!

ATU Local 757 urges passengers, families of riders, advocates for people with disabilities, and community members who care about public transportation and public safety to stand with transit workers by:

• Attending the informational picket at the Salem Cherriots Board meeting on September 25 at 3:00pm at 555 Court St. NE, Salem, OR 97301
• Contacting the Cherriots Board to express support for fair wages and strong insurance for paratransit workers; and
• Sharing the message with other riders who depend on reliable, safe paratransit service.

For media inquiries or to arrange interviews, please contact: Bruce Hansen Cell 971-985-8301