MTS Strike Over; Union Workers Ratify Labor Contract

SAN DIEGO, CA: A week-long strike of more than 300 Metropolitan Transit System workers has ended.

First Transit, the Cincinnati, Ohio-based company contracted to operate MTS Access services and 18 of 95 fixed-route MTS buses, announced Thursday that it has reached an agreement with Teamsters Local 542, the union representing the employees.

"All union workers are scheduled to return to work on Friday, June 3, and full service will resume to all San Diego Metropolitan Transportation System paratransit and fixed-routes that First Transit operates," said Jay Brock, spokesman for First Transit.

Union members including bus drivers, service technicians and reservation-takers voted to ratify the contract Thursday.

“First Transit and the union worked through the night to reach an agreement that both parties found acceptable,” said Nick Promponas, senior vice president of First Transit. “We look forward to seeing all the buses and paratransit operations back in service for the residents of San Diego.”

Teamsters Local 542 initiated a strike against First Transit on May 25 after more than a year of labor negotiations came to a standstill.

While union members picketed at Copley Park in Kearny Mesa, First Transit hired taxis and other independent drivers to provide up to 90 percent of its normally scheduled services for disabled and medically-impaired people who are unable to take regular public transportation but need transit to and from life-saving appointments.

"This strike was proof that the Brotherhood is alive and well," Teamsters Local 542 wrote in a Facebook post announcing the ratification Thursday of a new labor contract with First Transit.

The affected routes that will resume normal service Friday include: 14, 18, 25, 83, 84, 88, 833, 851, 870, 944, 945, 945A, 964, 965, Sorrento Valley Coaster Connection Routes 972, 973, 978, 979 and MTS Access paratransit service.

(Patch file photo)