After contract talks with for-profit multinational contractor Transdev collapse after 3 days, 98% of ATU Local 1756 bus operators, supervisors, dispatchers, and trainers vote to grant leadership permission to call a strike, if necessary
Arcadia, CA – After contract talks broke down after only three days, 98% of Foothill Transit workers, employed by French-based multinational contractor Transdev, voted overwhelmingly to authorize strike action, if necessary, this evening.
The bus operators, supervisors, dispatchers, and trainers, members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1756-Arcadia, CA, are frustrated by Transdev’s disrespectful treatment and refusal to negotiate in good faith and ensure a safe and reliable transit system.
“It’s only been three days of negotiations and Transdev is already not bargaining in good faith and charges may be filed against them with the National Labor Board. Transdev is refusing to consider Union proposals to improve employee wages, benefits, retirement, and other working conditions,” Local 1756 President/Business Agent Lorence Bradford. “This is about fairness. Our members deserve respect and dignity on the job, a fair contract with a safe workplace, and better service for our riders.”
The Union doesn’t want to shut the system down and points to the sacrifices and risk members have made even during the pandemic. “We’re not in a hurry to shut it down, but we are in a hurry to get the respect we’re owed. If Transdev won’t listen, they give us no choice but to take action,” Bradford continued.
The labor agreement between the Union and Transdev expires on June 30, 2023, at midnight. From the start, Transdev has refused to entertain reasonable proposals on critical wages, safety measures, and other issues.
“Our Local 1756 members are sending a loud and clear message with this strike authorization vote that they mean business and won’t stand for this disrespect from Transdev,” said ATU International President John Costa, showing the support of all ATU members across the U.S. and Canada for our members at Foothill Transit. “It’s time for Transdev to treat these workers like the heroes they are and put an offer on the table with better wages and improved safety measures that ensures reliable service for our riders.”