Dozens of Capital Metro drivers and mechanics picketed outside the bus service headquarters in East Austin Wednesday.

Capital Metro strike

KVUE's Jessica Vess reports

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"It's all good because they are standing up for what's right," said Jimmy Denis, Capital Metro rider.

The employees walked off the job when 18 months of negotiations broke down between the union and StarTran, the contractor which supplies employees for Capital Metro.

"I grew up where you stood up to bullies or life got worse for you," said Bill Kweder, Capital Metro driver and union negotiator. They're at odds over a pay raise and health benefits. "There becomes a point in time where enough is enough, and we've reached that point."

Wednesday was the first day of the strike, and while the union picketed, supporters drove by honking their horns. Some even stopped and joined the picket.

"I'm here; I don't drive a bus, but I ride it every day and it's great. It's very convenient and the drivers are real good to me,” said Denis.

However, at the bus stops still operating on a drastically smaller scale, passengers were running out of patience.

“I've already been here about an hour trying to get on a bus, so I'm kind of upset,” said Phillip Hinojosa, Capital Metro rider.

When riders do get on one of the 10 routes still running, the buses are packed.

"We're rooting for both sides," said Erica McKewen, Capital Metro spokesperson.

McKewen says nearly 150 union employees, including drivers and mechanics, have already crossed over the picket line to continue working. Those workers are helping keep buses running -- although at a much slower rate.

"We don't know what's going to happen; anything could happen right now. We have to plan for what we know is right now which is they're on strike," said McKewen.

The union will likely stay on strike at least through Friday. That’s when the next round of negotiations is scheduled.

In the meantime, Capital Metro is preparing to increase its routes by as much as possible during the strike. On Thursday it plans to add three more routes including #2/Rosewood, #4/Montopolis and #325/Ohlen Road. McKewen says no fares are charged during a strike. For more information, click here.