AC Transit strike averted, BART still in talks

Oakland, Calif.-based AC Transit released a statement that said that Gov. Jerry Brown called for a strike delay, which will thwart a walkout by bus operators and mechanics:  

“Governor Jerry Brown has notified the AC Transit board of directors that he is convening a panel to investigate ‘the strike notice by ATU Local 192 that threatens to disrupt public transportation services in the Bay Area.’ The panel will engage a seven-day investigation, effectively aborting the walkout by bus operators and mechanics that was scheduled for 12:01 am Thursday.

After the seven-day period, the governor will decide whether to grant a formal 60-day cooling off period.

Consequently, all AC Transit buses will be in service as usual until otherwise noticed.”

For reporting from Contra Costa Times, click here.

Meanwhile, labor negotiations between Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) and union representatives continue and trains are running on schedule. A scheduled strike was called off by the unions at 10:30 p.m. Wednesday. –This is the fifth time a strike has been postponed in the past week. For reporting from San Jose Mercury News, click here.