CATS Employees Strike in Baton Rouge Over Wage and Safety Demands

BATON ROUGE, La. — Tensions escalated early this morning as employees of the Capital Area Transit System (CATS), represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union 1546 (ATU), began a strike outside the CATS administrative building. The strike follows months of unproductive contract negotiations, with workers demanding a significant wage increase and improved safety conditions.

Workers Demand Fair Pay and Safer Work Conditions

The primary issue for union workers is the demand for an 8% wage increase, along with stricter safety protocols for CATS employees. Donte Jackson, a CATS worker and union member, emphasized that the strike aims to address long-standing concerns. “We hope to come together with the transit unit and the union to sign a contract that benefits the workers and improves the service we provide,” Jackson stated.

Stalled Negotiations and Wage Discrepancies

Negotiations between ATU 1546 and CATS have been underway since October 2024 but have failed to yield any agreement. CATS workers currently earn between $18 and $27 per hour, wages significantly lower than those in comparable cities across Louisiana. While CEO Theo Richard has refrained from commenting on specific wage proposals, he reaffirmed his desire to reach an agreement that is fair to all parties involved.

“I want to close this deal with the union that is equitable and fair,” Richard said. “However, we’ve reached an impasse, and it’s time to move to arbitration.”

CATS CEO Calls for Arbitration to Resolve Dispute

Despite the union’s demands, Richard has repeatedly insisted that both sides are at an impasse, suggesting that arbitration is the most effective means of resolving the dispute. “We’ve been at the table, we’re at an impasse,” Richard explained. “Let’s get to arbitration, figure it out, and move on.”

However, union representatives have accused Richard of refusing to continue discussions, escalating the need for a resolution.

Impact on Bus Services

While the strike is ongoing, CATS bus services continue, albeit with adjustments. A source confirmed that at least 22 routes, including routes 22 and 23, remain in operation. However, the exact number of workers participating in the strike has yet to be confirmed by either CATS or the union.

Union President Calls for City Support

George Decuir, president of ATU 1546, urged the city of Baton Rouge to recognize the crucial role that transit workers play in the community. "We are the backbone of this city's transportation system, but we cannot continue under the current circumstances," Decuir said. “Once this dispute is resolved, we hope the city supports us and the vital service we provide.”

Ongoing Stalemate and Path to Arbitration

With no resolution in sight, the strike continues, and both parties are bracing for arbitration to settle the dispute. Baton Rouge residents are anxiously waiting for an agreement that will restore full transit services and ensure fair compensation and working conditions for CATS employees.

Keywords: CATS strike Baton Rouge, ATU 1546 union, CATS wage increase, Baton Rouge transit worker strike, Theo Richard CATS, George Decuir ATU, CATS contract negotiations, Louisiana public transit labor dispute.