San Jose, Calif.’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) announced they will be unable to provide bus or light rail service due to a strike by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265. 

The union represents over 1,500 VTA employees, including bus and light rail operators, maintenance staff, dispatchers, fare inspectors, and customer service representatives.

“VTA is extremely disappointed that ATU is leaving the communities of Silicon Valley stranded without much-needed bus and light rail service, said Greg Richardson, VTA deputy GM. 

VTA Working with ATU

The two parties met on Sunday, but there were no meaningful negotiations, according to the agency. ATU leadership has not adjusted their wage proposal of 6% increases each year over three years.

VTA offered a wage increase of 4%, 3%, 2% for a total 9% over three years, compounded over the three-year period is 9.3%. 

The wage package keeps VTA operators as the second highest paid in the Bay Area and as the fifth highest paid in the nation, according to the agency. 

Additionally, the package includes comprehensive benefits and a pension plan.

“We value our employees and have made a fair and reasonable offer. Our appreciation extends to the riders we serve. While VTA has tried to reach an agreement, through conversations as late as this afternoon, there has been no progress. We need the union to return to the bargaining table,” Richardson added.

This story has been updated from an earlier story stating the VTA was preparing for a strike.