Transit Local 291 recently finished contract negotiations that, despite massive budget cuts, ended favorably. The Local was the only union out of Miami-Dade County's 13 public sector unions to secure a "no-layoff" clause. Twenty-six TWU employees who were laid off several months ago were reinstated as part of the overall contract settlement.

"We are very pleased with the outcome of these contact negotiations and thrilled that we have 26 brothers and sisters who are now back to work," said Transit Director Carl Martin.

At the April COPE Legislative Conference in Washington DC, Local 291 member Brian Davis explained his appreciation for his union's help in getting his brothers and sisters reinstated. "With the help of the TWU International, who helped put the right language in place, along with our Board and President, we were able to get those 26 positions secured again. It was a big plus."