EAST LANSING, MI - During last week’s Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA) career fair, current CATA employees stood outside in protest. Workers stood outside for hours, demanding fair contracts, adequate pay, and sufficient benefits.

“CATA workers want a fair contract. We’ve been working for 19 months without a contract,” said Steven Clem, Vice President, Amalgamated Transit Union, local 1039.

Negotiations have been happening for over a year with little to no progress. Some workers say they have not gotten two days off in a row for years. One protestor stated that all he wanted was to be able to go up north fishing with his son.

“It doesn’t look real responsible when you’re spending thousands of dollars on a job fair when you have the best work force that could be your job fair for you,” Clem said.

“You don’t need to advertise when you treat your employees with respect. They will bring good employees to you.”

Workers also mentioned the frequency of ride cancellations, stating they will be sent on routes in Meridian Township from East Lansing, only to get there and find out their route has been cancelled.

“Treat employees with respect,” said Clem.

“Be responsible.”

CATA did not respond to requests for comment.