SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) — By Monday morning, all VTA light rail and buses in the South Bay could be grounded — leaving 1,500 union employees on strike.
That means the 100,000 people who rely on VTA every day will have to find another way to get around. The main issue? The union and VTA have yet to agree on a new contract, but riders want a solution now.
The sound of the VTA is a constant in the South Bay, signaling that your ride has arrived.
On Saturday in Campbell, everything was running as usual — until KRON4 broke the news to commuter Christopher Villanueva, who rides VTA and skates to work, that come Monday, he might have to find a different way.
“That sucks actually to hear,” said Villanueva. “Sadly, I’d have to waste money on Uber and everything if worse comes to worst for work.”
1,500 unionized employees could walk off the job Monday after stalled contract negotiations, meaning all trolleys and buses would be out of service indefinitely.
VTA spokesperson Stacey Hendler Ross said they don’t know exactly when the strike will happen, but it could start 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,” said 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.”
But the union representing VTA workers said the offer on the table isn’t fair.
VTA is offering a 9 percent wage increase over three years, while the union is asking for something closer to 18 percent.
“It’s not a good situation, it’s not the best situation,” said Hendler Ross. “We would rather be running our public transit, that’s for sure.”
Beyond daily commuters, the strike will impact anyone trying to get around, including those heading downtown for a Sharks game on Saturday.
“I wish they could work it out before Monday because it’s going to be horrible for everybody,” said one commuter.
Every rider KRON4 spoke with on Saturday said they just want the negotiations sorted out as they rely on VTA too much.
“I think they should get the money they’re asking for, honestly” said 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,” said another rider.
Bus drivers like Reno Sanchez are bracing for Monday.
“I’m prepared, but other drivers are not,” said 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 are no plans for VTA and the union to resume talks, making a strike seem more likely than ever.
If you rely on VTA, start making alternate plans. For those with questions, the VTA customer service center will be open Sunday to take calls at (408) 321-2300.
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) — By Monday morning, all VTA light rail and buses in the South Bay could be grounded — leaving 1,500 union employees on strike. That means the 100,000 people who rely on VTA every day will have to find another way to get around. The main issue? The union and VTA […]