VTA has filed a legal complaint against its striking workers, claiming it’s a breach of contract.
VTA said in a Tuesday news release the goal of the complaint is to end the strike and restore normal VTA bus and light rail services, which stopped once the strike began. Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265 went on strike Monday, after six months of contract negotiations with VTA stalled with no deal on the table. The union represents more than 1,500 frontline workers, including bus drivers and light rail operators.
“This strike is having an overwhelming impact on the community, and we are working on all efforts to support our riders getting to work, school, medical appointments, and events,” VTA General Manager Carolyn Gonot said in a statement. “Getting our buses and trains rolling is imperative.”
ATU Local 265 President Raj Singh said the complaint is “absurd,” because VTA’s claims are based on the contract that expired March 3.
He said VTA told the union they intended to file the complaint Monday afternoon, and questioned why they waited, when the union notified VTA of its intent to strike three days in advance.
“In a way, we’re glad, because hopefully this provides clarity to the public, but at the same time, we’re disappointed that VTA has chosen to drag this out even further,” Singh told San José Spotlight. “I know they again ran with the narrative that the union is walking away from the table, but hopefully this sheds some light on who’s doing what.”
Singh said morale is very high on the picket line and the strike will continue while the union’s attorneys work on filing a response. If a judge does grant an injunction, Singh confirmed the strike will stop, but added they don’t anticipate that happening.
Sergio Lopez, VTA board president and Campbell mayor, said the public transit agency filed for an injunction to ensure the strike’s legality. Despite being out of town for a family emergency, he said he’s continuing to keep union and VTA leaders engaged and is working to find a resolution.
“ATU has a legally protected right to strike, so that’s not what’s in question here,” Lopez told San José Spotlight. “I’m focused on making sure that all sides are at the table and when there’s action for the board to take up, to make sure that can happen in an appropriate and timely manner.”
VTA doubled down on its latest proposed wage increase of 9% over the next three years, going from 4% to 3% to 2%. The union has asked for 6% raises over three years, totaling 18%, and is seeking a conflict resolution process that would allow workers to present their grievances to a neutral third party and avoid going to court. A news release from ATU Local 265 said 95% of union members voted down the deal.
ATU Local 265 President Raj Singh previously told San José Spotlight the increases are necessary to keep up with Silicon Valley’s rising cost of living. He said workers are prepared to remain on strike until a deal is reached.
Story updated March 11 at 2:06 p.m. Original story published March 11 at 1:21 p.m.
Contact B. Sakura Cannestra at [email protected] or @SakuCannestra on X.
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