VTA Strike Continues Amid Contract Dispute

The strike by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 against the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) has entered its third week, with union members overwhelmingly rejecting the latest contract proposal. The proposed contract included an 11% wage increase over three years and changes to attendance and overtime policies, but was voted down by 83% of the union due to unresolved issues and added stipulations. The VTA has responded by offering Uber vouchers to mitigate the impact on commuters, as bus and light rail services have been suspended since March 9, affecting around 100,000 daily passengers. Both parties returned to mediation, seeking a resolution to restore transportation services. The union's primary concerns remain the protection of workers' rights and safety rather than financial compensation. Efforts are ongoing to reach an agreement that would end the strike and resume normal transit operations in the South Bay.