Metro Transit workers voting on contract

Metro Transit workers are wrapping up voting on a new three-year contract. The Amalgamated Transit Union is still working under a contract that expired July 31.

Union leaders say proposed contract gives workers a 2 percent raise in each of the next three years. Health benefits remain the same.

Union president Michelle Sommers says it isn't clear how members will vote.

"Turnout appears to be pretty good, and there's always comments both ways, so you never know if it's going to get voted for or against," she said.

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If members don't approve the contract, the union will resume negotiations with the Metropolitan Council. Voting continues through 4 p.m. at the United Labor Center in Minneapolis.

The union represents about 2,200 bus drivers, train operators and mechanics.

The last time Metro Transit workers rejected a contract proposal and forced a strike was in 2004.

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