OCTA, Union Avoid Strike as Talks Resume

Calif.’s OC Bus service will continue on Monday, with some delays possible for passengers, as contract talks are expected to resume between the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) and the union representing its 150 maintenance employees.

OCTA had urged the union to continue negotiations after talks broke off Sunday. Late in the day, both OCTA and the union were contacted by the Governor’s office requesting the parties to continue negotiating.

“OC Bus is a critical public service for tens of thousands of Orange County residents and stopping service would unnecessarily harm those who rely upon us including students, seniors and workers who have no other means to travel,” said OCTA Chairman Mark A. Murphy, also the Mayor of Orange. “For all of our riders, I’m very happy that service will continue.”

OCTA's existing contract with the union expired Sept. 30. OCTA met with the union leaders more than 20 times since May to negotiate a new contract that rewards mechanics and service workers for the valuable work they perform, according to the agency.

An earlier version of the story reported the strike was imminent