SAN JOSE, Calif. — Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 will vote Saturday on a new contract proposal from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, the VTA said today (Friday, March 21, 2025). However, the union’s negotiating team is urging members to reject the offer.
The proposal would increase raises over the three-year life of the contract from the VTA’s previous offer of 9% to 10.5% (uncompounded), with annual raises of 4%, 3%, and 3.5%. The change comes in the third year, where the VTA had previously offered 2%. The union, which represents about 1,500 workers, has said it is seeking a 6% raise each year.
The union has said it also seeks changes in the arbitration process for employee grievances, and both sides indicate they have moved in that regard. The VTA said in a statement that it has agreed to the union’s proposed arbitration language as well as improving dental coverage, while a letter from the ATU negotiating team on the local’s website says it agreed to “an additional step before proceeding with regular arbitration,” calling it necessary to keep negotiations moving.
However, that same letter also says it is bringing the latest VTA offer to a vote “since we have once again hit a deadlock and the agency refuses to budge … However, let there be no misunderstanding — your leadership has not agreed to this proposal. Your negotiations team is strongly recommending a unanimous no vote.”
The union walked out on March 10 following expiration of its current contract on March 3. The VTA has argued that they are violating a no-strike clause in that contract and has sought a restraining order to end the strike, as well as seeking intervention by Gov. Gavin Newsom [see “Santa Clara VTA asks governor …,” Trains News Wire, March 17, 2025]. Newsom declined to get involved, while the initial bid for a court order was denied on technical grounds [see “Court rejects VTA request …,” News Wire, March 17, 2025].
