OAKLAND,Calif. (KCBS) -- Two BART unions have given the green light to authorize a strike as the deadline nears for five BART union contracts to expire at the same time later this month.
KCBS’ Margie Shafer Reports
AFSME, the union that represents mid-level workers has authorized a strike, and ATU, which represents the train operators, and station attendants have given their approval to strike authorization. BART has asked its unions for concessions, specifically on benefits.
"We do recognize that there is a certain level of economic uncertainty as we head forward at this time, but we're committed to stay at the table to try to get a free agreement," said ATU President Jesse Hunt, who says that BART is working with bad numbers.
BART spokesman Linton Johnson disputes that claim, noting that the transit agency just had the largest drop in sales tax revenue in BART's 37-year history.
"The numbers are the numbers and you can either choose not to believe them and stay in la la land, or you can deal with them and save your jobs," said Johnson.
SEIU votes on strike authorization on Thursday. A total of five union contracts all expire at the end of the month, but two of those unions are police unions that cannot strike.
John Goodwin with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission says BART riders should call 511 or go to 511.org to check out their alternatives in case of a walkout.
"We're just urging people to call ahead," said Goodwin. "BART is a big piece of the regional transportation network, and if that piece is lost for even a small amount of time, that puts a lot of pressure on the other parts of the transportation network."
There's a ride match service on the website to help form carpools, but so far, 511 says very few people have focused on the possibility of a strike, and signed up.
KCBS’ Doug Sovern Reports on the Seeming Lack of Riders’ Contingency Plans
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