Back on Dec. 13, we discussed the Las Vegas taxicab drivers’ union’s vote to go on strike against the Yellow-Checker-Star company, the second-largest cab company in the city. That strike officially began in March and ended on May 2 when the two sides signed a new collective bargaining agreement. The new contract provides some gains for drivers, such as greater flexibility in hours and financial improvements.
The contract between YCS and the drivers expired in October, though the workers continued to drive for several months as the two sides tried to reach an agreement. After negotiations failed to bear fruit, the drivers, who are represented by the Industrial Technical Professional Employees Union Local 4873, voted in December to strike. They rejected a proposed agreement from YCS in January.
Still, the parties tried to reach an agreement until March 3, when the strike began. Though it does not appear that all drivers participated, at least 100 drivers stayed home, requiring YCS to hire temporary replacements. An executive with YCS said that picketers and management were frequently rude to each other.
The agreement, which was signed on May 2, contains 16 adjustments to the drivers’ wage and benefit arrangements. Among the most notable changes is returning to drivers the right to work their weekly hours in four days instead of five to six. Drivers will also be eligible for increases in their annual bonuses and benefits.
Now that the strike is over, business should return to normal for YCS, if not right away. The executive said that both sides will have to “forgive and forget” some of what went on during the strike.
Source: Reno Gazette-Journal, “Las Vegas taxicab strike settled,” Michelel Rindels, May 3, 2013
