SAN JOSE — The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has asked California Gov. Gavin Newsom to intervene in the strike that enters its second week today (March 17, 2025).
In a letter released on Saturday, March 15, the VTA has asked Newsom to appoint a Board of Investigation, which, under a section of the state government code, would provide the governor with a written report on issues in the dispute within seven days but would not make recommendations regarding a resolution. That move would force the 1,500 striking members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 to return to work, since the code says a strike or lockout is prohibited during the investigation.
The VTA previously asked a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge to issue an injunction requiring workers to return [see “Santa Clara VTA seeks court order …,” News Wire, March 13, 2025], arguing the union is causing “irreparable harm to the community” by violating a no-strike clause in its contract. The VTA suit says the clause remains in effect even though the contract expired March 3, citing contract language that says its terms continue “through March 3, 2025, and from year to year thereafter.”
The union walked out on Monday, March 10. It is seeking 6% raises over each of the next three years, while the VGA is offering raises of 4%, 3%, and 2%, along with a one-time payment of $1,500.
As Gov. Newsom tries to straddle the political fence, leading to the 2028 Presidential Primary election, if he can quickly resolve this contract issue, it would be a feather in his cap. Lets hope the riders don’t have to suffer much longer.
Maybe a negotiation session at “The French Laundry” would solve things?