VTA Transit Strike in South Bay Enters Second Week, Workers Demand Raises

The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) is facing a strike that has entered its second week, disrupting transit services for thousands of passengers in the South Bay. VTA has reached out to Governor Gavin Newsom, requesting his intervention to order striking employees back to work and appoint an investigatory board to examine the labor dispute. The main points of contention in the negotiations include the union's demand for a 6% wage increase annually over the next three years, while VTA offers only 4%, 3%, and 2% increases. Additionally, the union seeks to have grievances addressed by a neutral third party, which the VTA claims has been a longstanding part of their contract. Meanwhile, VTA's legal attempts to force employees back to work have faced setbacks, with a court denying their request for an injunction. As the strike continues, VTA officials express frustration over the union’s unwillingness to negotiate further.