Concerns that Tom Hock would be sitting at the negotiating table with the Amalgamated Transit Union local 1774 are unfounded.
Union President Ed Cortez previously requested that the RFTA board not continue its relationship with Hock due to his labor-busting reputation. RFTA CEO Dan Blankenship says preliminary discussions show that both sides seek a quick and mutually beneficial contract, and outside help may not be needed.
“We’re kinda taking the union at its word without having the benefit to see what the proposals look like," said Blankenship. "I’m hopeful that we can come to a resolution in the four days that we have set aside in that first week of December.”
Kent Blackburn, RFTA co-director of operations, will be leading the talks for the agency. However, there is $25,000 set aside in the RFTA general budget should Hock be consulted due to stalled negotiations.
