The strike by union workers at the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA)is still ongoing. This is after they rejected a contract offer from management. This strike has affected bus and light rail services in the South Bay area. This is since March 10, 2025. Also, passengers need to find other ways to travel. This is because public transportation is not operational. Continue reading to learn more about the Santa Clara VTA workers’ strike.
Reasons for the Strike
Workers at the VTA went on strike to demand a new contract. This guarantees their rights, dignity, and safety. Also, they want a contract that will ensure fair treatment services across Santa Clara County. This impacts many daily commuters.
VTA’s Contract Offer
On Sunday, the VTA Board presented a revised contract offer. This offer included an 11% wage increase. This is spread over three years. Moreover, there are updates to the conflict resolution process and a pension plan. The VTA claimed that this new offer was way better than the previous one. The earlier one proposed a 9% wage increase.
According to VTA, the new wage increase would keep its workers as the second-highest-paid transit operators. This is among 27 transportation agencies in the Bay Area. Also, VTA Board President Sergio Lopez expressed appreciation for the patience shown by both staff and riders. This is during this difficult time.
Union’s Rejection of the Offer
Despite the new offer, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 (ATU Local 265) rejected it. Also, about 83% of the union members voted against the proposal. There are 188 votes in favor and 919 against. ATU Local 265 represents around 1500 of the striking VTA workers.
Raj Singh, the president of ATU Local 265, shared the unions’ concerns during a press conference. Also, he stated that one major reason for the rejection was the introduction of changes to parts of the contract. This had already been agreed upon in earlier discussions. Moreover, the revised offer includes cuts to overtime. This was not supposed to be part of the negotiation.
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Concerns Over Overtime Reductions
During mediation, the union and management had agreed to drop certain items for discussion. Singh argued that bringing these issues back into the conversation showed that VTA was stalling negotiations. Also, he emphasized the need for a fair agreement to restore services as quickly as possible.
Moreover, Singh pointed out that the VTA Board did not clarify terms about job security for
workers returning from the strike. Union members want assurance that they will not face repercussions for striking. These include reduced hours or layoffs. Also, this concern is heightened because VTA has filed a legal complaint against the union. They alleged bad faith and breach of contract.
VTA’s Defense of the Offer
In response to the rejection of the contract offer, VTA defended its proposal. They stated that it was fair and provided competitive pay with strong benefits for employees and their families. Also, the authority believes they made significant progress in the negotiations. This was despite the union’s resistance.
Calls for Further Negotiations
ATU Local 265 is urging VTA management to return to the negotiation table. The union wants to finalize a contract. This is so that both the workers and the public can return to their jobs and have public transportation. The union plans to hold a rally in an effort to apply pressure for a fair resolution. This is outside San Jose City Hall at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
