BART response to union lawsuit

(Oakland) BART spokesperson Alicia Trost issued the following statement in response to a lawsuit filed by BART’s two largest unions, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555 and SEIU Local 1021:

“We haven't seen the lawsuit, but regardless, BART is at the table bargaining in good faith for a sustainable and fair contract.

We have drawn no line in the sand and have already made concessions and compromises. We suggest our unions stop diverting attention from the real issues of increasing pension and medical costs and join us at the table for a thoughtful conversation about how best to invest in our employees and our system. These ploys are a smoke screen for the fact union leaders are refusing to bring our contracts in line with what is normal for the Bay Area and the transit industry. Employees need to begin paying a share of their pension plan and more than what they currently pay for health care- only $92 a month.

Last Monday, in an effort to de-politicize the safety issue, BART's Chief of Police and heads of Operations, Maintenance, and Transportation made a comprehensive three hour Safety presentation to the union leadership of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555. Rather than continue that constructive dialog the next day, the union leaders instead cancelled the negotiations.

We are committed to serious negotiation that will result in a fair and responsible contract.”