AC Transit and ATU Local 192 Continue Talks

News Articles

07/02/2013

Some Progress Reported But Tough Issues Remain

AC Transit and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 192 will continue labor negotiations today in an effort to reach an agreement with bus operators and mechanics whose contract expired midnight on Sunday. Although some difficult issues remain, there has been some progress and AC Transit is hopeful that critical bus service will be maintained while the negotiation process continues.

As of now, AC Transit is still able to offer its regular bus service as well as some extra transbay service to San Francisco. The bus service is especially essential in light of the debilitating workers’ strike that has shutdown all regional BART service. The work by AC Transit operators and mechanics should be commended for keeping buses rolling during this stressful time.

AC Transit management, in an effort to avoid a service disruption, has proposed no pay cuts to the ATU employees. Instead, ATU employees stand to realize an increase in pay because their 3% contribution to their health coverage plan expired July 1 along with their current contract. Additionally, AC Transit’s contribution to the ATU retiree medical trust is scheduled to increase by $.45/hour, a provision that adds more than six million dollars ($6,000,000) to the annual labor costs for the agency. Also included in the negotiations is a modest wage increase for ATU for each year.

Finally, the District has proposed that ATU employees contribute toward their monthly health insurance premiums. This practice is in keeping with all other AC Transit employees, management, executives, and Board Members who contribute to their health coverage.

AC Transit management has made no proposals that would jeopardize the health, safety, or security of any employees in order to reduce costs or preserve bus service.

The AC Transit Board of Directors and management want riders to know that they are doing everything possible to reach a resolution and minimize negative impacts on bus service. Through its negotiating team, the Board entered into negotiations in good faith with sincere intentions of offering competitive salaries, amenable working conditions, and a willingness to consider reasonable ATU proposals.

AC Transit will offer negotiation updates as warranted. However, the agency’s website is the best source of official and accurate information about AC Transit bus service and the work stoppage. Please visit www.actransit.org frequently for updates or go to alert.511.org or phone 511 for more trip planning options and travel needs.