SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) — By Monday morning, all VTA mild rail and buses within the South Bay may very well be grounded — leaving 1,500 union staff on strike.
Meaning the 100,000 individuals who depend on VTA on daily basis should discover one other method to get round. The principle subject? The union and VTA have but to agree on a brand new contract, however riders need a resolution now.
Armed man threatened neighbors earlier than police taking pictures: SFPD
The sound of the VTA is a continuing within the South Bay, signaling that your experience has arrived.
On Saturday in Campbell, all the pieces was working as normal — till KRON4 broke the information to commuter Christopher Villanueva, who rides VTA and skates to work, that come Monday, he might need to discover a totally different method.
“That sucks actually to hear,” stated Villanueva. “Sadly, I’d have to waste money on Uber and everything if worse comes to worst for work.”
1,500 unionized staff may stroll off the job Monday after stalled contract negotiations, which means all trolleys and buses can be out of service indefinitely.
Photograph: KRON4.
VTA spokesperson Stacey Hendler Ross stated they don’t know precisely when the strike will occur, nevertheless it may begin as early as 12:01 a.m. Monday.
“What we’re doing is trying to prepare our customers so that people are not surprised when they get to a bus stop or train station and their vehicle doesn’t come,” stated Hendler Ross. “This is a very difficult situation for a lot of people. We have two very important interests here. One is our employees, who deserve a fair and supportive contract and we’re trying to offer that. The other very important interest is our customers.”
However the union representing VTA staff stated the supply on the desk isn’t truthful.
VTA is providing a 9 p.c wage enhance over three years, whereas the union is asking for one thing nearer to 18 p.c.
“It’s not a good situation, it’s not the best situation,” stated Hendler Ross. “We would rather be running our public transit, that’s for sure.”
Past day by day commuters, the strike will impression anybody attempting to get round, together with these heading downtown for a Sharks recreation on Saturday.
“I wish they could work it out before Monday because it’s going to be horrible for everybody,” stated one commuter.
Each rider KRON4 spoke with on Saturday stated they only need the negotiations sorted out as they depend on VTA an excessive amount of.
“I think they should get the money they’re asking for, honestly” stated one VTA rider. “I see what those drivers have to put up with, and I think they deserve every cent.”
“We don’t want to raise the prices because people rely on it but at the same time, it’s like we want to be able to treat the workers fairly so it’s just a tough spot for California and the Bay right now,” stated one other rider.
Bus drivers like Reno Sanchez are bracing for Monday.
“I’m prepared, but other drivers are not,” stated Sanchez. “The community is not. It’s just scary to see if it happens if public transportation gets taken out for at least one day. I feel like I’m getting tossed around. It’s all questionable at this moment.”
As of now, there aren’t any plans for VTA and the union to renew talks, making a strike appear extra doubtless than ever.
When you depend on VTA, begin making alternate plans. For these with questions, the VTA customer support heart will likely be open Sunday to take calls at (408) 321-2300.
