(ABC 6 News) – Drivers from Rochester Public Transit’s Zumbro Independent Passenger Server (ZIPS) have voted unanimously to authorize a strike against their employer Sun Transit LLC.

The vote comes as ZIPS drivers have been waiting on a final contract offer from Sun Transit since March 2024, when the drivers voted unanimously to join the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU). Union members are hoping to bring better wages and healthcare to each driver.

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“The drivers and the passengers are very fed up with how things have been going for a long time in Zips, it’s been a very neglected program for a very long time, and we are trying to make some big improvements,” said Aonica Lex, a ZIPS dispatcher.

ZIPS is the City of Rochester’s paratransit line, which serves people who cannot make it onto the standard buses due to disabilities.

Authorizing a strike does not necessarily mean drivers will go on strike. The vote only allows them to strike if drivers later choose to do so.

“If they don’t have a final offer by February, I’d assume we’d plan a date then to go on strike,” said Lex.

Drivers hope with a strike on the table, it may speed up the process of contract negotiations.

“It’s an awful thing that these drivers have been through. Our goal is to get Sun Transit to come back with a decent proposal where these folks can have a livable wage, where they can feel comfortable and actually enjoy coming to their jobs once again,” said Adam Buzbee, a board member of ATU.

As of the day of the vote, Sun Transit has still not offered a contract deal to employees.