Editorials
BART workers approve new contract
OAKLAND (AP) — BART workers approved a new contract Tuesday night — one which will give employees a 22 percent pay raise over six years.
Members of Service Employees International Union Local 790 voted overwhelmingly, 816 to 161, to approve the new contract, while Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555 saw a closer approval number, 310 to 212. The contract agreement was reached between BART and the unions two weeks ago.
“This is certainly good news for the riders,” said BART spokesman Mike Healy. “It means that service will continue uninterrupted.”
BART’s largest workers’ unions had issued a strike notice on Sept. 1 — meaning roughly 2,800 workers could have walked off their jobs within days.
BART, which transports more than 300,000 commuters a day, had its last strike in 1997. It lasted six days.
ATU 1555 President Robert Smith said BART workers are committed “to keep BART running as the safest public transit system in America.”
BART’s Board of Directors will meet Wednesday at 9 a.m. to vote on whether to ratify the labor agreement, Healy said.
