Roaring Fork Transportation Authority, Amalgamated Transit Union come to agreement, avoiding potential bus driver strike

The Roaring Fork Transportation Authority (RFTA) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1774 have reached a significant milestone by ratifying a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). 

The agreement, unanimously approved by union members on Dec. 7 and adopted by the RFTA Board of Directors on Dec. 12, resolves a labor dispute that had threatened to disrupt transit services in the region. 

Negotiations for the agreement began in May 2024 but hit an impasse in September, with disagreements centering on work rules, management rights, and wages. Tensions escalated when the union filed a notice of intent to strike at midnight on New Year’s Day, potentially leaving thousands stranded in Aspen after New Year’s Eve celebrations. 

“Negotiations have not been quite what I expected. We used to be able to get these things done pretty quickly in the past, but we are dealing with new management,” Ed Cortez, president of the ATU, said in a previous statement. “We gave (RFTA) our proposals, and they came back with their proposals, rejecting all of ours.”

Despite the challenges, both parties remained committed to finding a resolution that would ensure uninterrupted public transit and support a cohesive workforce.

RFTA bus drivers, who work year-round, now will receive a $2,500 gross bonus after reaching their 12-month anniversary. This bonus will help address drivers’ complaints that wages were not enough to compensate for the cost of living in the valley.

RFTA Chief Executive Officer Kurt Ravenschlag said the unanimous ratification highlights a shared dedication to maintaining reliable transit services across the Roaring Fork and Colorado River Valleys. 

“The negotiation process had its challenges early on, but both RFTA and ATU worked hard to find a resolution that supports our workforce and the organization,” Ravenschlag said. “This new agreement reflects a shared commitment and ensures we can continue providing transit services without disruption, which I’m very pleased about.” 

He continued to say that the bus operators are the backbone of RFTA’s service, and RFTA deeply values their dedication and contributions. 

“I’m especially glad we reached an agreement before the end of the year, avoiding a potential strike and the impacts it could have had on our riders and employees,” he said. “The unanimous ratification of the CBA by ATU members and RFTA Board really shows commitment to moving forward together.”

Both RFTA and ATU Local 1774 have expressed their commitment to fostering collaboration and providing exceptional service to the communities they serve.