Hundreds of passengers were unpleasantly surprised this morning as their transportation did not show up. The reason? The solidarity between MTS San Diego drivers along with bus drivers from Transdev-First Transit in El Centro, California who are tired of the company's practices.
Hundreds of passengers were unpleasantly surprised this Wednesday morning as most of the buses did not show up on their usual routes. Jaime Vázquez, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 542, explains the reason in an interview with El Latino San Diego.
He states that there is confusion surrounding the reason for the drivers' strike, but it is actually an extension or support of the strike by Transdev-First Transit bus drivers in El Centro, California. Vázquez says that most drivers stopped their vehicles in solidarity against "unfair labor practices by Transdev" (Group), a company that he claims operates "well below recommended standards."
Vázquez notes that the employees "are tired of waiting and trying to survive with poor working conditions, inadequate rest, bathroom doors falling off, and poorly maintained vehicles in an attempt to save money." He also adds that bus drivers (who have a Class B driver's license) have been waiting 15 to 20 years for a decent wage, which does not exceed the minimum wage of $15.60 per hour, and waiting to be paid $21.
"It's a slap in the face for them, and they're not treated with the dignity and respect they deserve," says Vázquez. He clarifies that the problem is exclusively with Transdev and not with MTS San Diego, with whom they maintain a good and close relationship.
It is worth noting that passengers have been able to learn about the strike via the internet since this morning, with the following statement from MTS, dated Tuesday, April 25, about the strike in support of El Centro, California drivers:
"There is a labor strike in effect due to ongoing negotiations between First Transit and employees. In addition to the minibuses and paratransit service described below, some routes that operate outside our South Bay Division may also be affected."
Translation:
Hundreds of passengers were unpleasantly surprised this morning as their transport did not show up. The reason? The solidarity of MTS San Diego drivers with bus drivers from Transdev-First Transit in El Centro, California who are tired of the company's practices.
CHULA VISTA, CA.- Hundreds of passengers were unpleasantly surprised this Wednesday morning as most of the buses did not show up on their usual routes. Jaime Vázquez, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 542, explains the reason in an interview with El Latino San Diego.
He states that there is confusion surrounding the reason for the drivers' strike, but it is actually an extension or support of the strike by Transdev-First Transit bus drivers in El Centro, California. Vázquez says that most drivers stopped their vehicles in solidarity against "unfair labor practices by Transdev" (Group), a company that he claims operates "well below recommended standards."
Vázquez notes that the employees "are tired of waiting and trying to survive with poor working conditions, inadequate rest, bathroom doors falling off, and poorly maintained vehicles in an attempt to save money." He also adds that bus drivers (who have a Class B driver's license) have been waiting 15 to 20 years for a decent wage, which does not exceed the minimum wage of $15.60 per hour, and waiting to be paid $21.
"It's a slap in the face for them, and they're not treated with the dignity and respect they deserve," says Vázquez. He clarifies that the problem is exclusively with Transdev and not with MTS San Diego, with whom they maintain a good and close relationship.
It is worth noting that passengers have been able to learn about the strike via the internet since this morning, with the following statement from MTS, dated Tuesday, April 25, about the strike in support of El Centro, California drivers:
"There is a labor strike in effect due to ongoing negotiations between First Transit and employees. In addition to the minibuses and paratransit service described below, some routes that operate outside our South Bay Division may also be affected."
"(Tuesday, April 25) #MTS Alert to passengers: If a labor strike goes into effect tomorrow (Wednesday, April 26), the following minibuses (in addition to paratransit service) may have limited or no service: 14, 18, 25, 83, 84, 833, 838, 944, 945/945A, 964, 965, 972, 973, 974, 978, 979, and 985. Check the website for updates and more accurate service information."
