Montana News

Snow plow drivers still negotiating with state

Posted: Feb 3, 2012 7:48 PM by Marnee Banks (KXLH-Helena)

The Teamsters Union is continuing its labor negotiations with the State of Montana through the weekend. On Friday representatives for over 330 snow plow and truck drivers met with the state to try and reach a deal.

The Teamsters are asking for more pay, a different work schedule, and a better reimbursement for health insurance.

The employees haven't received a raise in 4 years. In December, the Teamsters voted to strike if they didn't get a deal.

Union Secretary Dan Doogan says they will know more on Monday.

Montana's News Station broke the story about a potential strike on January 19th. Then just hours later Montana Department of Transportation Director Tim Reardon sent an email to his District Administrators telling them not to discuss the pending strike with the press.

After the email went out, Montana's News Station received an anonymous letter in the mail from "concerned MDT employees" saying they aren't looking for a handout and they just want fair compensation.