HIstorical Case study

Bus Strike in Oahu

Context: The bus strike was a strike by 1,400 bus workers who wanted their wage and pensions to be increased. Since the OTS (Oahu Transit Services-the private company that runs the city’s TheBus system) did not reach a deal that didn’t satisfy their needs the bus drivers went on strike. Making the usual bus riders have to find alternative ways to get to work, which made traffic problems worse.

Chronology: This event happened on Tuesday, August 26, 2003 at 12:04 a.m. Mel Kahele the president of “Teamsters’ Local 996 said that the OTS did not take the union’s latest proposal to the city administration for consideration. Also after the strike Oahu was back into order and there were less traffic jams. Ended in September 29, 2003

Causation: I think that the major cause of this conflict is that the OTS proposed 34 cutbacks in benefits, also including elimination of 2 holidays, a freeze on wages and pensions for 3 years and a reduction in the company’s contribution to medical premiums. Why did the OTS do so many unfair things in their contracts with the bus workers?

Sources: Honolulu Star Bulletin (p), International Brotherhood of Teamsters (p) John's Hawaii Travel Blog (about.com)(s), B net(s)