VTA Workers Strike: Transit Agency Seeks Court Order to Halt Walkout

SAN JOSE, Calif. (March 11, 2025) — The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265, representing over 1,500 frontline workers for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), initiated a strike on March 10, 2025, following stalled contract negotiations over wage increases. The union’s action led to a complete shutdown of VTA bus and light rail services in the South Bay region, prompting the VTA to file a legal complaint against the union.

VTA’s complaint, filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court, alleges that the strike violates a “no strike” clause in the previous collective bargaining agreement, which expired on March 3. The transit agency aims to restore normal services as quickly as possible, according to a statement from VTA General Manager Carolyn Gonot.

“This strike is having an overwhelming impact on the community, and we are working on all efforts to support our riders getting to work, school, medical appointments, and events,” said Gonot. “Getting our buses and trains rolling is imperative.”

ATU Local 265 President Raj Singh rejected the VTA’s claims, calling them “absurd.” He pointed out that the union had notified VTA of their intent to strike three days prior to the action. “In a way, we’re glad, because hopefully this provides clarity to the public, but at the same time, we’re disappointed that VTA has chosen to drag this out even further,” Singh stated.

As the strike continues, the union is advocating for 6% wage increases over the next three years, totaling 18%, alongside demands for improved arbitration processes for employee grievances. In response, VTA has proposed a wage increase of 9% over three years, structured as 4%, 3%, and 2% per year.

The dispute has escalated as union members express concerns over workplace conditions, particularly after a tragic mass shooting in May 2021 that claimed the lives of nine VTA employees. “We have been forced into this position because of the VTA’s failure to negotiate in good faith,” Singh emphasized. “We care about our passengers, but the VTA doesn’t seem to.”

On March 11, as the strike entered its second day, tensions remained high. “The VTA is giving us mixed messages,” Singh said, noting varying communications from the agency about their willingness to negotiate. The agency has asserted that the union is misrepresented as being uncooperative.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan voiced his opinion against the strike, stating that the VTA’s wage offer is more reasonable than the union’s demands. “We have no future without public transit and we have no future without ATU,” said SJ Councilmember Pamela Campos, stressing the critical role of transit workers in the community.

The situation continues to evolve, with both sides indicating a need for urgent resolution to avoid further disruption of vital public transportation in the region. The impact on daily riders, which number around 100,000, is significant, as many are scrambling to find alternative transport amid the strike.

This story will be updated as new information emerges regarding the strike and any potential resolutions between VTA and ATU Local 265.