(Image source from: Phoenix bus strike postponed)

Union officials said that the bus strike would be postponed as the outcome of further talks with Transdev is pending. On Monday afternoon, they announced that the strike would begin at midnight, but the announced regarding the postponement came just before 10 p.m.

While, Transdev is paid by the city to operate approximately 40 routes, the conflict of the union is with Transdev but not the city. The strike is planned just a week ahead of the College Football National Championship that is scheduled to be held next Monday in Glendale.

As per the details from the union, Transdev and the bus drivers' union failed to come to an agreement in contract talks that have been stretching since April 2015. Few of the sticking points are a tiered wage and benefit system, bathroom breaks, and disciplinary procedures. Union's negotiator Michael Cornelius says that the strike was a last resort.

The Phoenix Public Transit Department said, "As of Monday night, an agreement has not been reached, but with talks continuing all bus service continues to operate normally at this time."

The union officials also said that the strike would begin Tuesday morning, in case there is no compromise overnight.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1433 union represents nearly 650 bus drivers in Phoenix, according to the union president Bob Bean.

Routes likely to sense the impact of the strike include ones along Central Avenue, 7th Street, Camelback Road and 7th Avenue.

-Sumana