Transdev bus operators hold strike in Chula Vista
By SDCN Editor
Chula Vista, CA–Transdev workers represented by Teamsters Local 683 who provide transportation services for the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) are on an unfair labor practice strike.
Local 683 has filed three ULP charges and an OSHA complaint against Transdev for bargaining in bad faith, threatening workers for honoring a picket line, unilaterally changing drivers’ schedules, and failing to provide workers with access to sanitary bathrooms and secure rest areas for their legally mandated breaks.
“These bus drivers are the backbone of the San Diego public transit system, and it is abhorrent how they are being treated by Transdev,” said Jose Puga, Vice President, and Business Agent at Local 683. “In addition to facing inhumane conditions, Transdev has failed to bargain in good faith and offer these workers a fair contract. Workers deserve much better – and Transdev bus workers will be on strike until they are provided decent wages and sanitary conditions.”
MTS drivers with picket signs began their strike on Tuesday afternoon in front of the MTS lot in Chula Vista.
The MTS East County routes are currently operating at 85% of normal. South Bay division routes are not as high due to call-offs. All other divisions and the Trolley still operating normally, San Diego MTS tweeted this weekend.
The South Bay Bus routes that may be impacted include 1, 3, 5, 27, 28, 35, 225, 701, 704, 705, 709, 712, 901, 904, 905, 906, 907, 909, 916, 917, 923, 929, 932, 933, 934, 950/950A, 955, 961, 962, 963, 967, 968, 992.
The East County Bus routes that may be impacted include 88, 115, 280, 290, 815, 816, 832, 834, 848, 851, 852, 854, 855, 856, 864, 872, 874, 875, 888, 891, 892, 894, 921, 928, 936.
“We are not asking for much,” said Adelene Adams, a Transdev bus operator. “We want clean bathrooms, somewhere safe to take breaks and better compensation. It is disheartening to be treated so despicably by Transdev, but we are grateful to have the Teamsters – especially Jose Puga – fighting for us at the bargaining table and alongside us on the picket line.”
Local 683 has been in negotiations with Transdev for six months and recently received a final offer from Transdev, which workers voted down. After numerous negotiations, workers unanimously voted to authorize the strike.
Transdev is the largest private operator and integrator of multiple modes of transportation in the United States. The company operates in 43 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. They service approximately 400 cities and communities with 7 modes of transportation in the U.S. and Canada, according to the company’s website.
Teamsters Local 683 represents 2,700 workers in a variety of industries in Southern California.
