Aug. 15--Chicago Megabus drivers are set to walk off their jobs on Wednesday if a labor agreement is not reached, but the company said it does not expect any service disruptions.
Contract negotiations have been ongoing since May, said Stephen G. Sombrotto, president of the United Workers of America, which represents more than 140 bus drivers in Chicago. Sticking points include wages and paid sick time.
In Chicago, drivers are paid about $15 an hour, the lowest compensation for drivers represented by the union, Sombrotto said. By comparison, drivers in the Northeast make between $17.85 and $21.50 per hour, he said.
Bus drivers in the Northeast also get four paid sick days, while Chicago drivers get none, Sombrotto said.
Sean Hughes, a spokesman for Megabus North America, said bargaining sessions are scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday in Chicago, and a federal mediator is expected to be present.
"Megabus does not expect any disruptions of service at this time," Hughes said.
Crain's Chicago Business first reported the contract dispute.
acancino@tribpub.com
