Tucson Bus Strike Could Loom After Sun Tran Workers Authorize Walkout

TUCSON, AZ — Tucson's public bus system could face a work stoppage at the end of the month after workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike.

Teamsters Local 104, which represents Sun Tran employees, said 99% of voting members backed the strike authorization in a vote held June 7.

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The result sends a clear message to Sun Tran management as both sides continue contract negotiations ahead of a hard deadline: the current collective bargaining agreement expires at 11:59 p.m. on June 30.

A strike authorization does not mean a strike is certain, but it gives union leadership the power to call one if negotiations break down.

"A 99% 'Yes' vote is not just a statistic; it is a mandate," said Karla Schumann, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 104 in a public statement. "It reflects the frustration and determination of the workers who keep Tucson moving every single day."

Union Business Representative Mike Sanchez said the goal remains reaching a deal that keeps buses running.

"We want to reach an agreement that avoids a disruption in service for the people of Tucson," Sanchez said. "However, the ball is now in the company's court. Their future actions and their seriousness at the bargaining table will determine what happens after June 30."

For Tucson riders who depend on Sun Tran for daily commutes, medical appointments and essential trips, the stakes are significant. A work stoppage would halt service across the city's bus network.

Both sides have roughly three weeks to reach a new agreement before the contract expires.