(KRON) — Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) said it was notified at its Thursday board meeting that members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265 will go on strike beginning on or after March 10 at 12:01 a.m.
VTA said because of this, its bus and light rail service may not operate Monday morning. Some routes that are scheduled to run past midnight may also see service interruptions. VTA advises commuters to take alternate modes of transportation such as carpooling, ridesharing, using regional rail, walking and being. VTA Paratransit service will run as normal.
VTA has offered workers a total wage increase of 9 percent over three years, with 4 percent in the first year, 3 percent in the second, and 2 percent in the third year, along with a package that includes comprehensive benefits and a pension plan.
“VTA is extremely disappointed that ATU is leaving the communities of Silicon Valley stranded without much-needed bus and light rail service,” said Greg Richardson, VTA Deputy General Manager. “We value our employees and have made a fair and reasonable offer. Our appreciation extends to the riders we serve. While VTA has tried to reach an agreement, through conversations as late as this afternoon, there has been no progress. We need the union to return to the bargaining table.”
ATU Local 265 represents more than 1,500 VTA employees, including bus and light rail operators, dispatchers, and fare inspectors.
