Foothill Transit Mechanics Walkout Ends [UPDATE]

POMONA, CA – UPDATE: MONDAY, AUG. 7, 12:45 p.m.

A strike by mechanics for Foothill Transit led to widespread disruptions of service in the eastern San Gabriel Valley during the morning commute Monday, with 19 bus lines impacted by the walkout.

By midday, however, officials with Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1756 announced that they were ending the walkout, as labor talks resume.

The mechanics have been unable to reach a labor agreement with the new company -- Keolis Commuter Services -- which recently took over Foothill Transit, union officials said.

The walkout was based at Foothill Transit's Pomona operations facility, affecting 19 bus lines. Foothill Transit added service to three of its operating lines to help commuters, but many riders still found themselves stranded.

Foothill Transit officials said earlier they were working with the contractor to get service back to as near-normal as possible, but, "Our first priority is always safety. Service will be restored as safety requirements are met."

Just before noon, however, union officials announced they had reached an agreement with Keolis to resume negotiations, and workers were going back to work.

Full service was not expected to resume on Foothill Transit until Tuesday morning, but some increased service was expected by the Monday afternoon commute. Foothill Transit officials said they are working to restore service, but customers should "expect continuing disruptions in the near future."

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MONDAY, AUG. 7, 9:44 a.m.

Some commuters in the east San Gabriel Valley were likely to have a tougher time getting to work Monday as Foothill Transit mechanics staged a strike.

The work stoppage is affecting 19 bus lines throughout San Gabriel Valley, KNX reported.

The mechanics who are represented by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1756 have been unable to reach a new labor agreement with the new company -- Keolis Commuter Services -- which recently took over Foothill Transit, according to the station.

To help offset the affected lines, extra westbound trips have been added to Line 498 and the Silver Streak in West Covina. Additional service will also be provided on Line 493 out of Industry Park and Ride.

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--City News Service/Image courtesy of Foothill Transit