Bus Drivers at Antelope Valley Transit Authority Vote to Authorize Strike
Lancaster, California – March 9, 2017 – Employees at Antelope Valley Transit Authority’s (AVTA) contractor Transdev voted overwhelmingly, Thursday afternoon, to authorize a work stoppage over unfair labor practices.
Approximately 105 drivers from AVTA, represented by Teamsters Local 848, have been working without a contract since December 31, 2016. Contract negotiations concluded in late in February, when AVTA’s contractor, Transdev. reached an impasse on issues regarding the Los Angeles County Minimum Wage Ordinance and the drivers’ right to due process when it comes to discipline imposed by the company’s client AVTA.
Since 2015, AVTA has removed multiple drivers employed by the contractor without due process, causing the Union to file a lawsuit against the AVTA Board of Directors and its executive director as an individual.
Transit and Commuter services can be severely interrupted for the over 450,000 residence of the Antelope Valley and unincorporated areas of Northern Los Angeles County serviced by AVTA, as early as Friday morning. The Union will not disclose any information on specific dates or times it plans to begin any work stoppage.
Members overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike early Thursday afternoon. Ballots were counted during a rally organized by the drivers’ bargaining committee. Members engaged in Practice Picketing in front of AVTA offices following the ballot count.