Temporary agreement reached for CATS drivers contracts

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Hundreds of CATS bus drivers will not be walking off of the job next week.

Union representatives with CATS negotiated with management and a federal mediator for 17 hours on Friday at a south Charlotte hotel.

They reached a temporary deal just after 2 a.m. Saturday morning.

The contracts are now set to expire on Nov. 19.

In an interview with Eyewitness News this week, union leaders said they have specific concerns.

Drivers with seniority want their pick of preferred schedules, routes and days off.

Some full-time drivers may be bumped to part time, meaning they could lose benefits.

Some drivers said they are not being compensated while driving during their work day.

Meanwhile, the city said its hands are tied because state law prevents the city from engaging in collective bargaining, which is why management outsourced to a private company.

No details were released in the temporary agreement.

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