Judge rules in favor of VTA, orders union to end weekslong strike

After more than two weeks on the picket lines, striking VTA workers will soon return to the job after a judge on Wednesday effectively ordered them back to work.

The judge's ruling means some 1,500 VTA bus drivers, light rail operators and mechanics who have been striking since March 10 and are still seeking a new contract will be heading back to work.

"What the judge's ruling means is that VTA workers need to come back to work immediately. The injunction is effective immediately," VTA spokesperson Stacey Hendler Ross said.

A VTA spokesperson said VTA drivers will return to work on Thursday, with partial bus service beginning Friday.

There is no estimated time when light rail service will resume as crews still need to inspect all lines before trains begin running, according to a VTA spokesperson.

Raj Singh with Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265 said his side was "disappointed" with Wednesday's outcome in court.

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"We disagree with the judge," he said. "This is the second time that we've been in this position where we believe that the justice system and the court has failed us."

Even as the judge effectively ordered workers to get back to the job without a contract, negotiations for a new contract are expected to continue, but so far no new talks have been scheduled.