Sen. Pavel M. Payano expressed hope that both sides return to the table in good faith to reach a swift, fair resolution, highlighting MeVa’s role as a transit lifeline for Haverhill, Lawrence, and Methuen amid disruptions.

Negotiators had planned to meet but did not convene as sessions were not scheduled at the time of reporting.

Teamsters Local 170 is leading a strike representing 138 MeVa drivers, mechanics, and cleaners in protest of leadership’s plan to stop paying overtime for Saturday shifts as part of a broader push to restructure weekend work.

MeVa administrator Noah Berger calls the current arrangement unsustainable and argues the proposed terms would spread overtime rather than eliminate it, while also stressing weekend service expansion to meet rider demand.

Berger characterizes the wage increase as extraordinary given budget pressures and maintains that weekend shift restructuring is needed to meet rider demand for more weekend service.

The dispute centers on a proposed restructuring of Saturday shifts that would reduce overtime and require more senior staff to work weekends, a change the union argues would erode earnings and family time.

The contract talks have dragged on for months, with the current agreement expiring at midnight and the union vowing to continue the strike until a fair deal is reached.

The strike threatens Mini MeVa, the on-demand paratransit service for seniors and people with disabilities, potentially reducing options for riders who rely on shorter or specialized trips.

Riders are urged to monitor MeVa’s communications for updates on service disruptions and the status of negotiations as the situation develops.

Negotiations between MeVa and DGR Management have been ongoing for months, with both sides trying to balance worker pay and the agency’s financial and operational sustainability.

Officials describe the strike as ongoing with an unclear duration, advising residents to stay hydrated and check on vulnerable neighbors during heat advisories.

MeVa defends the offer as generous, noting the changes would spread overtime across the week and many routes would not require Saturday work, while acknowledging the wage package.