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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January, 24 2005

State Labor Fact-Finder's Decision: Fare Increase Needed for Fair Employee Settlement

Labor contract to add $1.1 million to shortfall
Sunday service to continue
Fare increase urgently needed

CINCINNATI – On Friday, Jan. 21, an impartial, State Employment Relations Board-appointed labor negotiations fact-finder issued her decision related to Metro’s new labor contract for 743 bus drivers, mechanics and operations support employees who are members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 627. The current labor contract expires Jan. 31, 2005.

In her decision, Cynthia Stanley, J.D., stressed the need for SORTA’s fares to increase: “While no one likes to see a fare hike, if there were ever a case that cried out for a fare hike in order to assist SORTA in its operation, this is the case… the choice appears to be between recommending these employees receive a wage freeze or raising the fares... The fact-finder has no hesitancy in suggesting that a wage freeze would be totally inappropriate in this situation… SORTA’s management must be commended for doing a fine job. But as all good things, it (the current fare) cannot last forever.” (pages 4-6)

Today, the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority board of trustees accepted the fact-finder’s report, which will add $1.1 million in cost to the 2005 budget. ATU members vote on the fact-finder’s report tomorrow. If either party rejects the report, the union has the right to authorize a strike with 10 days notice.

SORTA also voted to continue Metro and Access Sunday bus service based on public comments received through on-bus surveys, e-mails, and the public hearing on Jan. 6. “We’ve listened to the public and we can’t in good conscience take their Sunday service away,” said Benjamin Gettler, SORTA board chairman.

The labor settlement will bring SORTA’s budget shortfall for 2005 to$3.7 million, much of which is due to dramatic fuel cost increases. The SORTA board has directed staff to continue full service, as long as financial resources are available. Cincinnati City Council has only appropriated funding through Jan. 31, 2005 and has not approved the proposed fare increase.

The proposed fare increase would raise the fare within the City of Cincinnati to $1. Service in Hamilton County would be $1.50 and in Clermont County, $2. The last base fare increase was in 1993. Fare increases require the approval of the SORTA board and Cincinnati City Council.

SORTA is a political sub-division of the State of Ohio, which operates Metro and Access public transportation services. Metro and Access provide about 23 million rides per year in Greater Cincinnati.

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