METRO board approves union agreement, ending strike threat

METRO Regional Transit Authority’s Board of Trustees voted on September 29, 2026, to accept a contract proposal negotiated with Transit Workers Union Local #1. In its public statement, the agency said the agreement removed the threat of a strike and ensured continued transit service.

The agency described uninterrupted transportation as its central priority during negotiations. CEO Dawn Distler emphasized the importance of protecting riders who depend on METRO for essential trips, while reaching an agreement that considered employees, passengers and the wider community.

According to the board’s statement, the agreement addresses absenteeism, which METRO identifies as a challenge for daily operations, while providing compensation it considers fair and reasonable. The statement does not set out individual wage rates or the complete contract terms.

METRO provides public transportation in Summit County and reported 5.6 million trips on its services during 2025. The agency thanked riders, employees and community partners for their patience during the negotiations. These details summarize METRO’s announcement and do not represent an independent assessment of the agreement.