BART's Unions Voting Over Tentative Agreement
OAKLAND (KCBS) - Bay Area Rapid Transit workers were voting Friday on the tentative agreement which ended the recent BART strike. The majority of the two biggest unions must support the deal for it to pass.
BART mechanics, custodians and clerical workers will be voting at Oakland's Marriott City Center Hotel. Results were expected at about 11 p.m.
BART's Unions Vote Today Over Tentative Agreement
Pete Castelli, executive director of the Service Employees International Union Local 1021, said he expects members to approve the tentative agreement.
"They're really pleased with the improved health and safety measures and committee and a lot of those issues are addressed in the new agreement along with the economic package," he said.
"You can't go out on a limb and predict but everyone's feeling positive about it."
Workers will receive a 15.4 percent raise over four years. They will also begin contributing more to their pensions and more for health care.
Antonette Bryant, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555, said, however, she is not so certain how station agents and train operators will vote.
"I think in any contract negotiation, you are going to have members that are unhappy with what has been agreed to," she said. "We have put the information out. We're leaving it to their vote and that's what I would like to leave it as. I want the members to be able to vote clearly on what they think is best for them."
A simple majority is needed for passage and the BART board will vote on the contract if it's ratified by both unions.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
