Tucson Bus Strike Could Begin Tonight As Contract Deadline Nears

TUCSON, AZ — Tucson's bus system is hours away from a possible work stoppage, with the contract between Sun Tran and its unionized workforce set to expire at 11:59 p.m. tonight.

Teamsters Local 104, which represents Sun Tran employees, said negotiations are still underway as the deadline approaches.

The union, which voted in favor of a strike authorization earlier this month, struck a defiant tone in a statement this past week.

"The Teamsters Local 104 membership at Sun Tran voted 99% in favor of authorizing a strike," the union said. "Make no mistake, Teamsters don't quit and Teamsters don't back down. The safety of our members and that of our community is our priority. If Sun Tran decides to take it to the streets, June 30th is right around the corner."

The strike authorization gives union leadership the power to call a walkout if a deal isn't reached, though it does not guarantee one will happen.

With the deadline looming, Pima Community College is urging students and staff who depend on Sun Tran to start preparing for possible disruptions.

"Employees and students who rely on Sun Tran are encouraged to monitor local news and Sun Tran communications at suntran.com and consider making alternative transportation plans should service be disrupted," the college said in a statement.

PCC added that it will continue monitoring the situation and share updates as more information becomes available.

A strike would halt bus service across Tucson, affecting daily commuters, students, medical appointments and other essential trips citywide.