STATEMENT REGARDING POTENTIAL TRANSIT STRIKE IN THE CITY OF JACKSON

I have been made aware of the notice issued by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1208

regarding the possibility of a strike involving employees of MV Transportation, the company

that operates public transit services in the City of Jackson.

First and foremost, I firmly support the right of workers to collectively bargain. Collective

bargaining is a cornerstone of the American workforce and provides employees with an

opportunity to advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, quality benefits, and workplace

protections. When approached in good faith, the collective bargaining process can lead to

outcomes that benefit employees, employers, and the communities they serve.

At the same time, we must recognize that public transportation is not simply a business

operation. It is a critical public service that thousands of Jackson residents depend upon every

day. Many of our citizens rely on public transit to get to work, attend school, access medical

appointments, purchase groceries, and meet other basic needs. For some residents, particularly

seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those without access to personal transportation, public

transit is their only means of mobility.

While I respect the concerns raised by transit employees and acknowledge their right to pursue a

fair contract, I am equally concerned about the potential impact a work stoppage would have on

the people of Jackson. A prolonged transit strike would create significant hardships for many

families and could disrupt access to employment, healthcare, and educational opportunities

throughout our city.

For that reason, I strongly encourage both MV Transportation and ATU Local 1208 to continue

engaging in meaningful, good-faith negotiations with a sense of urgency. The goal should be to

reach a fair and equitable agreement that respects the workforce while maintaining uninterrupted

service for the residents who depend upon public transportation every day.

I also call upon the City’s Administration and all appropriate stakeholders to become actively

involved in helping facilitate discussions and identify solutions that may prevent a strike from

occurring. The City has a vested interest in ensuring that public transportation services remain

available and reliable for our citizens. Every reasonable effort should be made to bring the

parties together, address outstanding concerns, and avoid a disruption that would ultimately place

the greatest burden on the very people we are all charged with serving.

The citizens of Jackson should not become collateral damage in a labor dispute. We owe it to our

transit employees, our transportation provider, and most importantly our residents to exhaust

every avenue available to reach a resolution.

I remain hopeful that all parties will return to the table, negotiate in good faith, and arrive at an

agreement that protects workers while ensuring that essential transit services continue without

interruption.

For further inquiries or clarification contact the Ward 4 office at 601.960.2052.