Baton Rouge Bus Drivers Warn of Strike Amid Contract Dispute
More than 100 members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) are pushing for higher wages, improved safety measures, and stronger protections against workplace intimidation.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Baton Rouge bus drivers are warning of a potential strike if ongoing contract negotiations with the Capital Area Transit System (CATS) fail to meet their demands, raising concerns about disruptions to public transportation.
More than 100 members of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) are pushing for higher wages, improved safety measures, and stronger protections against workplace intimidation. The dispute took center stage at a contentious CATS board meeting Tuesday, where tensions flared between union workers and transit officials.
Falesha Augustus, a CATS bus driver for over a decade, said fair pay and safety remain top priorities.
“This is our livelihood,” Augustus said. “Some of us, this is all we have.”
Union President George Decuir accused CATS management of failing to address safety concerns, including a recent incident in which an inmate was released near the CATS terminal. He also claimed management has fostered a hostile work environment with anti-union messaging.
“We want fair treatment,” Decuir said. “There have been incidents of workplace violence and intimidation, and management has not been held accountable. Now is the time to take a stand.”
CATS board members assured workers they are committed to a fair resolution and are working with outside organizations to address concerns. Some union members, however, interrupted the discussion, disputing management’s claims of progress.
The ATU’s national office has been called in to assist local members, and union leaders said they are prepared to escalate their efforts if necessary.
“If it comes down to it, we will strike for better treatment,” Augustus said.
While no strike date has been set, union leaders said it remains a last-resort option if negotiations fail.
