Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265 in Santa Clara, CA went on strike on March 10th after negotiations for a new contract fell through. ATU Local 265’s contract ended on March 3rd. The strike has so far shut down all bus and light rail routes county-wide. This is the first strike at a Bay Area transit since Bay Area Rapid Transit employees walked off the job twice in 2013.
After the strike began, the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) filed an injunction to stop the strike and resume operations. The injunction was denied on the morning of Monday, the 17th. VTA immediately refiled the complaint, which was denied again later the same day.
ATU Local 265 President Raj Singh stated, “At this point, I think the public sees what the truth is … They are exploring every other option outside coming to the table.”
VTA also reached out to California Governor Gavin Newsom, requesting that Newsom intervene and stop the strike. Governor Newsom declined, urging the two parties to negotiate. VTA also argues that the ATU violated a “no-strike” agreement in effect and filed another legal complaint against the Union. Union members and VTA have a hearing scheduled on March 26th to determine if the Union violated the “no-strike” clause.
ATU Local 265 represents over 1,500 workers including fare inspectors, mechanics, operators, dispatchers, and customer service representatives. In negotiations, Union leaders call for an annual raise of 6% over 3 years. However, VTA proposed wage increases of 4%, 3%, and 2% over the next three years and a one-time payment of $1,500 for union members.
On March 24, workers rejected a new low-ball offer from VTA management. In a statement put out by ATU Local 265 they stated:
“In a resounding declaration of solidarity and strength, the members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265-San Jose, CA, have voted decisively to reject the latest insulting contract put forth by the VTA yesterday. …
“The sticking points remain the same. The VTA refuses to put forth a proposal with living wages that allow their workers to live in the communities they serve. They continue to propose unfair grievance procedures and regressive overtime calculations along with no assurances that the agency will not discipline or sue workers who went on strike. Furthermore, the agency has failed to improve workplace conditions following the tragic mass shooting in May 2021 that took the lives of Local 265 members.”
It is clear management at VTA care neither about the well-being or safety of their workers.
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