Nov. 20, 2025
TWU Local 1 and the International demonstrated strength and solidarity in Akron, Ohio, on Thursday morning, honking horns and handing out flyers to bus riders that blast Metro for poor working conditions and delays in contract negotiations.
The show of force took place at Akron’s Robert K. Pfaff Transit Center on Thursday before a Metro board meeting there. Nearly three dozen Local 1 Bus Operators, Vehicle Service Workers, and Clerical Workers, along with TWU International staff, handed out hundreds of flyers. Every half hour, dozens of Bus Operators honked their horns as they left the transit center to spread out across the Akron area.
The International alerted the media so the public hears the ugly truth about Metro management.
“Our message, after 17 months without a contract, is simple: enough is enough,” TWU Local 1st Vice President April Adams said. “Management gives themselves big raises while we have gone two years without a raise or even a cost-of-living adjustment. Metro runs unrealistic schedules that force us to work without lunch breaks, rest breaks, or even bathroom breaks. These unjust working conditions are bad for safety and bad for the traveling public.”
Management continues to drag its feet on long-overdue pay raises. Management has insisted that workers should pay hundreds of dollars more per month for healthcare while also sacrificing safety for schedules. Bus Operators, Vehicle Service Workers, and Clerical Workers are also forced to work without paid sick time.
“Instead of negotiating, management flies in highly paid, anti-union lawyers from St. Louis to drag their feet,” TWU TUUS Division Director Willie Brown said. “Enough is enough. It’s time for a fair contract that provides long-overdue raises.”
Workers have missed two scheduled raises and have received zero year-end bonuses since the last contract expired in June of 2024.
“Bus Operators are forced to make decisions that compromise safety to keep up with Metro’s unrealistic schedules,” Local 1 President Wayne Cole said. “That leads to riders paying the price. Buses are frequently behind schedule because the routes and timetables bear no resemblance to reality and drivers work hours on end without any breaks. Our members have missed two scheduled raises as management refuses to negotiate in a timely manner, while the bosses get pay increases every year.”