OCTA Calls on Union to Resume Talks

The Orange County Transportation Authority announced it remains 100% ready to resume talks.

The union chose to strike this week ending negotiations and stranding passengers. The union is now demanding commitments away from the bargaining table, according to OCTA's news release. If the union comes back to the table, the agency said it is prepared to continue its negotiations.

The union has stated that healthcare is one of the biggest sticking points. OCTA added that it has offered to help lower healthcare costs by providing maintenance employees with the same healthcare plans as all other OCTA employees.

Currently, OCTA maintenance employees are under the more costly Teamsters Labor Alliance Trust fund for health insurance. That plan cost and design – including premiums, co-pays, and benefits – is completely within the control of the union. 

Under the current Teamsters healthcare plan, all maintenance employees pay $350 per month for healthcare, regardless of whether they are single, two-party, or family. Under OCTA’s plan, employees could save approximately: 

• $311 per month for a single person. 
• $241 per month for a two-party.
• $129 per month for a family.