MILWAUKEE (WSAU-Wheeler News) A federal mediator will try again Thursday to resolve a four-month impasse over a new contract between Milwaukee County and its transit workers. Managing director Dan Boehm says there’s a gap of $10-million in the latest offers from both sides.
Union president James Macon says he’ll skip the mediation session unless the county comes up with something better. The union says the county can afford higher wages for bus drivers and mechanics, while the county says it’s addressing the workers’ main concern — bringing in part-timers without the fringe benefits the union has.
The union had given its message to thousands of workers and visitors, in staging a three-day strike early this month — right during Summerfest and the city’s popular July 3 lakefront fireworks show.
