San Jose, Calif.’s Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) requested intervention and a fact-finding investigation from California Gov. Gavin Newsom to bring striking VTA frontline workers back to work while contract negotiations continue.

More than two-thirds of VTA employees walked off the job after midnight March 10, bringing public transit throughout Santa Clara County to a halt, which is impacting 100,000 riders a day, according to the VTA. 

Labor Negotiations with VTA’s Union

VTA said it has continued efforts to seek concrete resolutions to the conflict. The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 (ATU) represents 1,500 VTA bus and light rail operators, mechanics, fare inspectors, dispatchers, and customer service representatives.

The request for the Governor’s involvement was sent over the weekend and the VTA is awaiting a response. 

The agency proposed a wage increase of 9.3% over the next three years and a $1,500 one-time payment for members. This package ensures VTA operators remain among the highest paid in the Bay Area and the nation. 

Additionally, the offer includes comprehensive benefits and a robust pension plan, according to the VTA. 

In addition, VTA has filed for injunctive relief with the Santa Clara County Superior Court to “stop the irreparable harm to the community caused by the strike on the grounds that ATU breached the collective bargaining agreement’s ‘no-strike’ clause that is still in full force and effect,” regardless of the end of the contract term on March 3, 2025.