Multiple bus divisions of the Metropolitan Transit System continue to experience a work stoppage today due to ongoing labor negotiations between Transdev and its bus operators.
MTS warns transit riders who use minibus and Access service, as well as routes in the South Bay and East County, should look for alternate methods of travel. Officials say trolley services remain unaffected, and will operate according to schedule.
The agency said transit riders can check MTS Alerts and Detours webpage for a full list of impacted routes, noting real-time information, such as the One Bus Away App, may not be accurate.
The striking bus operators are represented by Teamsters 542, who are in contract negotiations with the multinational conglomerate, Transdev. In a public statement, MTS said “both parties are hopeful that an agreement will be made soon”.
Teamsters Local 542 Drivers, Mechanics, Utility Worker, and Reservationists from Transdev in Copley Park Place, walked out on May 22 at 3 a.m. on an unfair labor practices strike. According to a tweet from Teamsters Local 542, those on strike rejected the Company’s last, best and final offer unanimously.
“The offer felt extremely empty and unaware of what our members deserved! Our members deserve a contract where they are seen, heard and "appreciated!,” wrote Teamsters Local 542 in a statement.
Jose Puga, vice president of another local, Teamsters 683, said the company was negotiating in bad faith. Teamsters Local 683 represents 2,700 workers in a
variety of industries in Southern California.
"Transdev bus workers who provide transportation services for San Diego MTS are on strike because their employer requires them to work under inhumane conditions. Workers are on strike because they want sanitary bathrooms and safe places to take breaks, and Transdev has refused to bargain in good faith to address these conditions,” Puga said in a statement. and "Workers have been subject to these grotesque conditions for longer than the six months we had been in negotiations. We are on strike because Transdev has refused to offer workers a fair new contract and has failed to address these appalling conditions. Negotiations between Transdev and the union started in October 2022.
More than 600 drivers are currently affected.
Transdev told KPBS in a statement that it is “actively negotiating with the Teamsters 683 and remains hopeful that we will come to an amicable resolution soon with minimal disruption to the riding public," the statement reads.
“We have been engaged in negotiations with the union in good faith, with the goal of reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement that addresses the interests of both parties. During this period, we remain dedicated to ensuring the continuity of our operations and minimizing any impact on our valued customers. We have contingency plans in place to mitigate disruptions and to provide ongoing support to our clients. We have made good-faith financial concessions, in addition to other important economic concessions and remain open to continued dialogue. We look forward to continuing respectful and productive discussions to find a resolution that meets the needs of our employees and aligns with the long-term sustainability of our business,” the statement continued.
According to MTS, Bus routes out of the South Bay division that could be impacted include: 1, 3, 5, 27, 28, 35, 225, 701, 704, 705, 709, 712, 901, 904, 905, 906, 907, 909, 916, 917, 923, 929, 932, 933, 934, 950/950A, 955, 961, 962, 963, 967, 968, 992.
Bus routes out of the East County division that could be impacted include: 88, 115, 280, 290, 815, 816, 832, 834, 848, 851, 852, 854, 855, 856, 864, 872, 874, 875, 888, 891, 892, 894, 921, 928, 936.
Minibus routes that could be impacted include: Weekdays: 14, 18, 25, 83, 84, 833, 838, 944, 945, 946, 964, 965, 985; Saturdays: 832, 833, 838, 945, 965; Sundays: 832, 833, 838. MTS Access is by appointment only. Passengers can contact at 888-517-9627 or visit sdmts.com/work-stoppage for recommended alternative transportation options.
