SAN JOSE, CA—After six months of stalled negotiations, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265 is poised to walk off the job. At 12:01 AM on Monday, March 10, VTA workers will go on strike, the first time since the 1960’s. This decisive move comes after months of frustrating and unproductive contract talks with the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA).
“We have been forced into this position because of the VTA’s failure to negotiate in good faith. We care about our passengers, but the VTA doesn’t seem to,” said Raj Singh, President/Business Agent of Local 265. “For months, our members have been disregarded, their sacrifices ignored, and their needs dismissed. We will not back down. Our work is vital to this community, and it’s time the VTA acknowledges that.”
The sticking points are clear. The VTA has failed to address critical issues such as fair wages, benefits, and grievance procedures. The agency has also failed to improve workplace conditions following the tragic mass shooting in May 2021 that took the lives of Local 265 members. Despite countless attempts to resolve these matters, the VTA has refused to make meaningful offers. The workers of ATU Local 265, over 1,500 strong, are united. Last month, nearly 96% of members voted to authorize a strike if necessary, demonstrating their collective commitment to fighting for a fair contract.
“Fair wages, dignified working conditions, and respect for transit workers are the backbone of a just and reliable transit system for our riders,” said ATU International President John Costa. “In San Jose and beyond, our members represent the heart and soul of the community. This is about securing a future where every transit worker is valued, heard, and treated with the dignity they deserve for the service they provide every single day. VTA must come to the table with an offer worthy of our sacrifices. Stick together! Hold the line!”
Local 265 members move 100,000 riders a day to work, school, and wherever they need to go. The current contract expires at 11:59 pm on Sunday, and without a fair agreement, the strike will begin at 12:01 AM.
What: ATU Local 265 Strike
When: 4 AM, Monday, March 10, 2025
Where: 5 Strike Locations
- VTA HQ, 3331 N First St., San Jose
- The Light Rail Facility, 101 W Younger Ave., San Jose
- North Yard, 1235 La Avenida St., Mountain View
- Chaboya Yard, 2240 S 7th St., San Jose
- Cerone Yard, 3990 Zanker Rd., San Jose
Who: ATU Local 265 VTA Workers