Oct 2 2013

Suggestions on How to Prevent Another BART Strike Abound

Negotiations proceed with new proposals as time winds down for an agreement. –

New union proposals and charges against BART’s negotiation costs have headlined the ongoing struggle in reaching new contracts.  BART has recently released plans to partially accommodate the public, if the unions call for a strike on October 11.

In an effort to head off future BART strikes, Orinda City Councilmember Stephen Glazer began a “Keep Our Economy Moving” petition campaign. Glazer, a Democrat seeking election to the State Assemby, is focusing attention on the impacts of the possible strike in an effort to motivate the State to pass legislation prohibiting another BART strike.   Glazer states, “The Bay Area can’t afford a BART strike.” Despite Governor Jerry Brown previous opposition, Republican lawmakers have asked the Governor to call a legislative special session. They want to outlaw a BART strike and force the unions to continue negotiating.

In her letter Assembly Member Connie Conway, R-Tulare, said, “We call upon the governor to take swift action to ensure this labor dispute does not create a transportation nightmare.”

BART management continues to meet primarily with –Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).  Reportedly, the sides remain more than $100 million apart as the October 10 end of the 60-day cooling-off period is fast approaching. Friday, October 11 is the earliest day a BART strike could occur.

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