BART Union Leaders Head Back To Bargaining Table As Threat Of Monday Strike Looms
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – It was back to the bargaining table Saturday for two BART unions who announced this week that union members had voted to authorize a strike that could begin as early as Monday morning.
Leaders with BART's two biggest unions, Service Employees International Union, Local 1021 and Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1555, have planned to begin negotiations at 11 a.m. today, according to Antonette Bryant with ATU Local 1555. She said negotiators have their suitcases packed and are prepared to stay at the bargaining table until a contract is negotiated and a potential strike is averted.
Contracts with the two BART unions expire Sunday at midnight, according to Bryant.
The primary issues have to do with wages, health and safety regulations and pension contributions.
As many as 400,000 commuters use BART each day, including 96,000 who travel across the Bay using the Transbay Tube during peak commute hours.
Union leaders will meet at 300 Lakeside Drive in Oakland.
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