As expected, notice has been given for a BART strike on Monday. Union leaders gave the notice on Thursday night, just a few hours after union leaders and BART management held opposing press conferences in an effort to sway public support.
Negotiations wrapped up around 9pm, but are expected to take place again this morning. Hardly any agreements were reached since the the last strike ended in June.
SF Appeal/BCN reports:
BART management spokespersons then held a midday news conference to say that although the transit agency’s employees deserve a raise, their new contract must address the escalating cost of their benefit packages.BART spokesman Jim Allison said the agency’s medical costs have grown 251 percent in 12 years and its pension costs have grown 126 percent in 10 years so it must begin to “normalize” employees’ benefits too so they’re closer to those earned by other public employees.
Oakland Tribune was at Frank Ogawa Plaza during the workers rally yesterday, speaking with BART riders and actor Danny Glover who was at the scene chanting for union solidarity:
Several dozen people spoke in support of BART workers at Frank Ogawa Plaza on Thursday evening and in opposition of BART management and the failure to reach an agreement. Some said employees have made too many concessions."You can't allow to be taken for granted and to continue to give up and give back," [Danny] Glover said. "We understand that if we concede, that we will continue to concede. ... We have to stand up now, we make this work."
Governor Brown could step in and ask for a cooling-off period, but that doesn't seem likely at this point. If neither union leaders nor BART management can reach an agreement come midnight on Monday, adjust your commute accordingly, riders.
