BART responds to unions' strike authorization vote
BART spokesperson Rick Rice issued the following statement on the unions’ strike authorization vote:
“This procedural step is a clear signal our employees are willing to shut down the Bay Area and cause commute chaos to make their case for a 23% raise. Despite losing a day at the table to allow for their vote, BART is at the table today and negotiating in good faith for a sustainable contract. Taxpayers and riders cannot continue to be the only source of funds to pay for the rising costs of benefits. BART is asking its employees to begin paying towards their pensions and contributing more than the $92 a month they currently pay for health care. We are interested in reaching a reasonable solution with our union partners. We believe a deal can be reached in time to avert a strike which will have far reaching economic impacts to the region. But if they must go the way of a strike, we ask that they stand by their word and give the public 72 hours of notice to prepare.”
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