MARTA Mobility drivers are threatening to strike during the FIFA World Cup, citing concerns over pay, benefits, and staffing issues. This potential disruption raises questions about the reliability of the paratransit system for riders with disabilities. The drivers, who work for A-National, a subcontractor under Transdev, have been facing high turnover, overwork, and declining staffing levels, leading to longer wait times and delays for passengers. The situation has sparked a unionization effort, with drivers negotiating their first contract. They claim that the owner of A-National has been delaying negotiations through repeated appeals, and they have yet to receive a promised pay raise. The drivers' concerns are supported by riders, who have reported lengthy delays and missed pickups. The MARTA agency has responded by apologizing for the disruptions and implementing a new technology system, but drivers and riders alike are skeptical of its effectiveness. The potential strike highlights the challenges faced by essential transportation services and the need for better working conditions and support for these frontline workers.
