TARC preparing contingency plans if Union employees strike

TARC has been made aware that the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1447 (ATU) is holding a strike authorization vote today. 

While it is illegal for public employees in Kentucky to strike, and it violates the terms of the ATU’s labor contract, TARC is preparing for the possibility of a work stoppage or “sick out” among its Union workforce.

If ATU members vote yes to strike, TARC has no knowledge of when a work stoppage or sick out would begin, or the length of such an action. Union employees can continue to work through a strike. Their wages and benefits will not be affected.

TARC will make every effort possible to continue operating with minimal to no disruption for passengers.

If TARC experiences a significant shortage of drivers, TARC is prepared to operate on a Sunday schedule, deploy trained supervisors with a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate fixed route buses, and deploy administrative staff without a CDL to drive 12-passenger vans to provide as much service as possible. This stop-gap effort will remain in place until the strike action ends.

TARC will provide continuous updates for fixed route service via all communications channels available – including its Customer Service line at (502) 585-1234, text and email alerts to registered users, website, social media, and news media. Customers can go to www.ridetarc.org/alerts/ to subscribe to service alerts via text or email.

TARC3 passengers should continue to call (502) 560-0333 to schedule rides and call the “Where’s My Ride?” line at (502) 589-9879 for ride status.