The possibility of a BART strike has most likely been eliminated, as 80 percent of the members of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555 have voted in favor of BART's tentative agreement, which the other two unions had already approved two weeks ago. The new contract keeps wages intact and limits layoffs, but it gives management more authority over employee assignments, which will hopefully reduce the need for overtime. The union members will also have to pay more for premium health benefits. In later years, employees might be eligible for raises if there is savings in retirement benefits. ATU Local 1555 President Jesse Hunt said, ""We have accepted the cuts and sacrifices asked of us for the next four years, which were greater than those asked of any other employees, union or nonunion." The tentative agreement must now be ratified by the BART Board of Directors. more ›

On Sunday, if you recall, there was no BART strike, a surprise twist that all but crippled Bay Area media. The unanimous (and somewhat iffy) angle on the strike aversion was that you, the public, thwarted the strike with looming fears of violent strike outrage. more ›