The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has requested intervention and a fact-finding investigation from California Governor Gavin Newsom to bring striking VTA frontline workers back to work while contract negotiations continue.
More than two-thirds of VTA employees walked off the job after midnight, Monday, March 10, bringing public transit throughout Santa Clara County to a halt, impacting 100-thousand riders a day.
VTA has continued efforts to seek concrete resolutions to the conflict. The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 (ATU) represents 1500 VTA bus and light rail operators, mechanics, fare inspectors, dispatchers and customer service representatives.
The request for the Governor’s involvement was sent Saturday afternoon. VTA is awaiting a response.
VTA proposed a wage increase of 9.3% over the next three years and a $1,500 one-time payment for members. This package ensures VTA operators remain among the highest paid in the Bay Area and the nation. Additionally, the offer includes comprehensive benefits and a robust pension plan.
In addition, VTA has filed for injunctive relief with the Santa Clara County Superior Court to “stop the irreparable harm to the community caused by the strike on the grounds that ATU breached the collective bargaining agreement’s “no-strike” clause that is still in full force and effect,” regardless of the end of the contract term on March 3, 2025.