SAN JOSE, Calif. — The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority’s bid for a court order to end a strike by 1,500 workers experienced a setback today (March 17, 2025), as a judge ruled the initial filing was not compliant with court rules.
Public broadcaster KQED reports Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Daniel T. Nishigaya said he would consider the VTA’s request for a restraining order once the agency submits a properly structured application.
The transit agency has argued that the terms of its contract with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 includes a no-strike clause that remains in effect even though the contract expired on March 3. It has also asked Gov. Gavin Newsom to intervene by ordering a board of investigation; under state law, the union would have to return to work while that board does its work [see “Santa Clara VTA asks governor …,” Trains News Wire, March 17, 2025].
The agency has offered a three-year contract with annual raises of 4%, 3%, and 2%, while the union is seeking 6% each year. KQED reports the union is also seeking changes to how arbitration is used to address worker grievances, as well as opposing a VTA proposal to reduce long-term injury or illness leave from two years to one.
