AC Transit Workers Give Strike Notice

It’s been a turbulent 24 hours for East Bay commuters.

BART and labor unions went down to the wire late Sunday night before the governor intervened, temporarily halting another employee strike. Then there was a big rig fire on westbound I-80 just passed the Bay Bridge, which snarled traffic for nine hours on Monday. 

If that wasn’t enough, on Monday afternoon union representatives announced that AC Transit workers could go on strike at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Oakland Tribune.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 192, which represents 1,625 mechanics and bus operators, notified AC Transit’s board of directors of the possible strike at noon Monday.

The strike notice stems from ongoing negotiations for a new labor contract after the workers' previous contract expired at the end of June. Union members had threatened to strike starting July 1 but temporarily extended their contract and negotiations continued.

The union’s announcement about the possible strike was unexpected, AC Transit officials told the Tribune.

Officials said the agency has proposed a 9 percent increase in wages over three years. With the increase, however, employees would have to cover 10 percent of their medical insurance premiums.

But workers say it’s not just about money.

ATU Local 192 union president Yvonne Williams told the Tribune that workers are concerned over health and safety issues. Workers want longer restroom and lunch breaks, and assurance that health care costs won’t skyrocket.

"Fundamental human rights are at stake," Williams told the Tribune.

If AC Transit workers do go on strike Wednesday, it would leave 100,000 riders stranded, the Tribune reports. If the strike lasts for an extended period — and if BART workers also strike — well…let’s just keep our fingers crossed.

Read more on the Oakland Tribune.

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.