Supervisor Ekblad questions Transdev contract amid ATU strike vote call

The Milwaukee County Committee on Transportation and Transit held a hybrid meeting on July 9, 2025, focusing on critical issues surrounding labor negotiations and service contracts. A significant point of discussion was the ongoing negotiations with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), which has called for a vote to strike. This move highlights the tensions in labor relations, as negotiations have been ongoing since April without resolution.

Supervisor Ekblad raised concerns about the Transdev contract, noting that the company is not only charging more but also failing to meet service targets by over 15%. The committee is exploring various options regarding this contract, although specific strategies were not disclosed during the meeting, indicating that further discussions may take place in a closed session.

Another notable issue was the communication breakdown regarding a financial deficit that was first reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. A committee member expressed frustration that the county board learned about the deficit from the press rather than through official channels, emphasizing the need for better communication and transparency within the county's operations.

Overall, the meeting underscored the challenges facing Milwaukee County in labor negotiations and contract management, as well as the importance of timely communication among county officials. The committee plans to continue addressing these issues in future sessions.