South Bay public transportation workers will continue their strike through the weekend after failed negotiations with the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA). Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 spokesman Raj Singh stated that VTA is exploring alternatives instead of negotiating a fair contract. Workers seek higher wages and changes to their contract’s arbitration language. VTA proposed a 9.3% wage increase over three years and a one-time payment of $1,500, claiming it keeps operators among the highest paid. Singh criticized VTA’s refusal to make acceptable offers, asserting that the strike will persist until a resolution is reached or further actions are mandated.
Workers in South Bay public transportation will maintain their strike throughout the weekend, according to a union representative, following unsuccessful negotiations between officials from the Valley Transportation Authority and the union on Saturday.
“It appears the agency has contacted the governor’s office to request a cooling-off period,” Raj Singh, spokesperson for Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265, stated in an interview. “‘They’re exploring all options besides the one that would clearly resolve this issue, which is sitting down at the table and providing us with a fair contract proposal.”
After nearly a week of picketing, transportation workers had a meeting with VTA and union representatives on Saturday evening. However, as the strike continues over demands for increased wages and changes to their contract’s arbitration terms, Singh reported that the agency remains inflexible. The two parties had also attempted negotiations on Thursday, but those discussions were unsuccessful.
“Essentially, it’s the same offer they’ve had on the table since February 28th,” Singh noted. “They are aware of what the appropriate action is, yet they still refuse to take it. They’re acting like bullies.”
In a news release on Saturday, VTA officials claimed that the ongoing strike inflicts “irreparable harm to the community,” affecting 100,000 daily riders throughout the South Bay. The agency has filed a lawsuit in Santa Clara County Superior Court, alleging that the union breached a “no-strike” clause in their expired contract, a claim union representatives dispute as outdated.
According to the news release, VTA proposed a wage increase of 9.3% over the next three years along with a one-time $1,500 payment for members. “This package guarantees that VTA operators will remain some of the highest paid in the Bay Area and nationwide. Moreover, the offer includes extensive benefits and a strong pension plan,” VTA officials stated.
Singh contends that VTA is unwilling to present an acceptable offer to the union, as bus stops throughout Santa Clara County remained empty on Saturday.
“Now they’re reaching out to the governor instead of doing the right thing,” Singh remarked. “At this point, the strike will persist throughout the weekend and continue until an agreement is reached, an injunction is granted, or the governor intervenes. We will comply with whatever order we are obliged to follow.”
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