Vote expected Monday: MCTS bus drivers union members to approve or reject new contract

MILWAUKEE -- A vote is scheduled for Monday, October 5th on a proposed new contract for Milwaukee County Transit System bus drivers. Leaders of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 998, the bus drivers union, say they are unhappy with the latest contract offer.

Ahead of Monday's vote, ATU Local 998 President James Macon issued the following statement:

Details of the contract (according to MCTS):

Increased wages

Slight increase in health care costs

Part-time drivers

Local 998 leaders have said they won't rule out another work stoppage if they cannot come to an agreement. You'll recall MCTS bus drivers took part in a three-day strike back in early July following contract negotiations.

Last month, transit union workers voted "no confidence" in the ability of Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele to manage MCTS. The results were announced one day before the new contract proposal was presented to the union.

MCTS officials are encouraging Local 998 members to "seriously consider" the contract they will be voting on -- issuing this statement to FOX6 News:

CLICK HERE to read the letter from MCTS Managing Director Dan Boehm to MCTS employees.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.