Union Demands Mediation as Contract Proposal Does Not Address Wages, Grievance Issues, Working Conditions, and Other Issues
San Jose, CA – 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. Their strike will continue and the Union demanded mediation in hopes of reaching a fair and just deal.
The rejection of the contract comes a day after the VTA Board met and put forth a disgraceful contract offer, disrespecting their frontline workers and the riders of the VTA. Adding insult to injury, VTA Assistant General Manager Greg Richardson called VTA workers “uneducated” just days earlier.
“This vote sends another powerful message to the VTA that our members are unified and strong. Their latest offer walking back proposals on overtime and attendance coupled with VTA Assistant GM Richardson’s derogatory comments about our members, it’s no surprise this contract offer went down in flames,” said Local 265 President/Business Agent Raj Singh. “While we don’t want this strike to go on for the sake of our riders and the community, the VTA is responsible for this with their bullying and regressive bargaining tactics. They can end this strike now with a fair and just deal for workers and passengers!”
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.
“This overwhelming no vote on this VTA contract proposal shows our members are ‘educated.’ They know an appalling and demeaning contract offer when they see it,” said ATU International President John Costa. “It’s time for the VTA to stop throwing insults and put a serious offer on the table. I’ve been on the picket lines with our members, and their resolve and unity are unwavering. They will hold the line until they secure a contract that reflects and values their contributions to the City of San Jose.”