The VTA strike that was taking place in the South Bay has been called off after a judge ordered the workers to return to their jobs. According to the judge, the Union violated the no strike rule that was included in their contract.
Because of this, it is possible that bus service may be operational as soon as Friday, and light rail will follow suit.
“Upset,” is how Jose Salas, an employee of the VTA, felt after the union briefed him on the situations. “Disappointed at the judges decision.”
Salas has been working with the VTA for the past 19 years, during which time he has been employed as a light rail operator. Following several weeks of standing on the picket line, the decision of the judges was a significant setback.
“As it stands right now, we are working under the old contract,” Salas explained to reporters. Therefore, we will not receive a pay increase. Considering the high cost of living, everyone is having a difficult time. During the past three weeks that we have been absent, a great number of people have been experiencing hardship as a result of the fact that they are required to make mortgage payments.
The Valley Transport Authority has stated that employees will return to work on Thursday, and that a portion of the bus service will operate beginning on Friday. After that, after the equipment has been inspected, the light rail service will immediately resume its normal operations.
“We’re appreciative of this ruling because it tens of thousands of people can get back on public transport which many people rely on,” according to Stacey Hendler Ross, an employee of VTA. Because of this, our employees will be able to return to their jobs. Since the beginning of this month, they have not received their normal pay cheques.
According to VTA, its employees receive the second highest pay in the state of California and the fifth highest pay in the entire country. According to the corporation, the proposal to increase pay by 11% over the course of the following three years is still being considered.
“ATU was still demanding an 18% rise over three years,” according to her statement. We are unable to afford to accomplish it at VTA. Without significantly reducing the number of services offered, laying off employees, and even increasing transportation costs, which would not be beneficial to our customers.
The workers in the heart of Silicon Valley, however, claim that the rise that is being promised is not even enough to cover the bills.
“It’s upsetting because we can reach that level of middle class,” Salas explained to reporters. “At this point, we are at the bottom end of the middle class and we are having a hard time. Because of the rising expense of living, we are unable to perform the same tasks that we were previously able to.
The workers are united in their demands for greater compensation and better working conditions, according to Salas, who reiterated his optimism and stated that if the last week has taught him anything, it is that the workers are unified in their demands.
“I just have to pick up my spirits again and continue to do what I do best,” he stated to reporters. “Give it 100% like I always do.”
VTA bus service could resume Friday; light rail service to soon follow.
