Ruling is Outrageous for Workers, Riders, and Community, Union to Appeal Ruling
San Jose, CA – Slamming Superior Court Judge Daniel Nishigaya’s ruling that VTA workers must end their 17-day strike, ATU Local 265-San Jose, CA, plans to appeal the court ruling immediately.
“This ruling from Judge Nishigaya is outrageous,” said Local President/Business Agent Raj Singh. “The VTA’s lawfare and the court’s ruling does not get the parties any closer to resolving the fundamental problem—the VTA’s refusal to offer a fair settlement of the labor dispute and its disrespect for its employees as demonstrated by its recent insistence that my coworkers and I are ‘uneducated.’ The community we serve would have been better served if the judge had ordered the VTA to come up with a fair offer instead of forcing us to report to work under court order.”
The Union pointed out that when the VTA filed their legal complaint for an injunction against its striking workers, VTA Board Chair and Campbell Mayor Sergio Lopez told the press, “ATU has a legally protected right to strike, so that’s not what’s in question here.”
“Shame on the VTA for challenging and backtracking on our members’ protected right to strike. This court order essentially slams the door shut on the hard working VTA employees, who have stood strong and united in their fight for fair wages, respect on the job, and better transit. It is demoralizing being forced back to work and being treated with disrespect by management,” said International President John Costa. “This ruling is not only an injustice but a direct slap in the face to the brave frontline heroes who dedicate their lives to serving the city of San Jose. They’ve been holding the line for three weeks because they want better for themselves and their community. They’re not just employees – they’re this city's backbone and deserve nothing less than our support and respect. Our members are strong. This court ruling is not the end, and our fight is far from over.”