Over 50 metro Denver bus and train operators staged a protest march through Lower Downtown on Tuesday evening, demanding higher wages from the Regional Transportation District (RTD). The operators marched from Union Station to the RTD headquarters during rush hour, making their voices heard.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1001 president Lance Longenbohn led the march and emphasized the need for RTD to address the issues faced by its workers. Longenbohn stated, “Everyone knows that RTD needs to be fixed, and paying its highly skilled workers is a critical part of that fix.”
The ATU, representing around 2,000 operators, is seeking a 7% wage increase annually for three years. However, RTD has proposed a 5% increase followed by two years of 4.5% increases. The union’s proposal aims to raise the hourly wage for workers to $35.15 this year, $37.40 in 2026, and $40.28 in 2027, up from the current starting pay of $25.96 per hour.
One bus driver, Rick Stubblefield, highlighted the challenges faced by operators, including physical assaults while on duty. Despite RTD’s efforts to recruit more operators, the agency has struggled to retain them, leading to shortages and operational challenges.
RTD’s ability to assist riders during disruptions has been hampered by the shortage of operators, impacting services and maintenance work. The main reason cited for operators leaving their jobs is inadequate compensation for the demanding nature of the work.
Mediation between RTD and the union is scheduled for the end of March, with hopes of resolving the issues without resorting to a strike. Longenbohn emphasized the desire not to disrupt transit services, as it would ultimately affect the public’s access to transportation.
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