For a second day in a row, many people in the South Bay will be forced to look for alternative transportation as Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority workers continue a strike that has no clear end in sight.
Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 (ATU), the union representing about 1,600 VTA workers, are calling on the riding public to join them in their demand for a new contract.
Meanwhile, VTA announced Tuesday it filed a legal complaint in Santa Clara County Superior Court against the union for breach of a "no strike" clause in their current agreement.
"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 and CEO Carolyn Gonot said in a statement. "VTA is an integral part of the transportation network for Santa Clara County and the region overall. Getting our buses and trains rolling is imperative."
The strike started before sunrise Monday at VTA headquarters and three bus yards in San Jose and Mountain View.
Negotiators for the union and VTA met on Sunday, but the union president said it only lasted about 10 minutes. The sides can’t seem to meet in the middle in regard to some benefits, rules for arbitration and pay. VTA is offering 9% over three years. ATU is asking for 18% over the same period.
As of Tuesday afternoon, no new contract negotiations were scheduled.
The strike will impact about 100,000 VTA users each day it goes on.
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