In order to save $1.8 million, Anoka County was going to switch the operation of its program from First Transit to MV Transit. First Transit, along with First Student, has been a longstanding and reputable Local 120 employer with sizeable market share throughout Minnesota. MV Transit was an unknown quantity with no presence in the state. 

 

Upon learning of the possible switch, Local 120 sprang into action. President Brad Slawson, Jr., Business Agent Jerry Pitra and Political Director Rhys Ledger held a series of meetings with Anoka County officials. They argued in defense of Teamsters who had dedicated their careers to providing a critical service to riders of the Anoka Traveler program. 

 

These riders, many of whom are elderly or disabled, depend on the program for transportation to everything from doctors’ appointments to grocery shopping. Without a reliable program delivered by a proven contractor, some of Anoka County’s most vulnerable citizens would be at risk. Furthermore, the drivers who provided the service deserved better than to be forced to reapply for their jobs at a new contractor .

 

Anoka County immediately conveyed Local 120’s concerns to MV Transit. Within a few short days, two senior managers flew to Minnesota to meet with the union. They came prepared to assure Local 120 that its contract and its members were not in jeopardy. It turns out that MV Transit is a major bus company outside of Minnesota. Even better, the company has Teamsters under contract across the nation. In fact, it went so far as to provide a list of references from other Teamster local unions.

 

Eventually, MV Transit got the Anoka Traveler contract and Local 120 protected its members. They kept their jobs and protected their contract. Once again, the Teamsters Local 120 Political Action Committee proved its worth.