YONKERS, New York-Nearly 600 bus drivers and mechanics, members of Local 100 of the Transport Workers Union employed by the Bee-Line bus company in Westchester County, New York, walked out March 3 to demand a contract that eliminates the penalty for retiring at age 57.

“A driver with 27 years seniority died behind the wheel last September due to stress. He could not retire because he had 10 more years to go,” Tony Smith, a bus driver with five years’ seniority, told the Militant.

Workers said the old contract imposes a 26 percent cut in benefits if they retire at age 57 with 20 years of service, instead of at age 62. One picket said the New York City bus and subway workers who are also members of Local 100 have a contract that allows for full retirement benefits at age 55 with 25 years of service.

—DAN FEIN  
 
 
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