The leader of one of two unions representing striking BART workers announced today that Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555 members are expected to vote down BART management’s “last, best final offer” this week.
ATU Local 1555 President Antonette Bryant told reporters at the Pittsburg/Bay Point BART station this afternoon that the union is preparing to put management’s latest contract proposal, which includes an updated economic package and changes to work rules and past workplace practices, to a vote.
See all Appeal coverage Of BART’s second strike of 2013 here
“We are going to vote that contract, but we know that our members are going to vote it down,” she said, as dozens of union members stood behind her.
An open letter from ATU Local 1555 to Bay Area commuters states that the union attempted for six months to reach an agreement with BART management.
“BART has fought us every step of the way,” the letter reads. “In the past 24 hours, BART even backtracked on agreements we jointly made at the negotiating table. Then, they gave a take it or leave it offer that amounts to a 1 percent or less raise for our members over four years.”
The letter also notes that the union “will be ready to negotiate any day, any time.”
However, Bryant said there have been no new bargaining sessions scheduled between the unions and BART management since talks broke down and BART workers walked off the job on Friday morning.
BART workers are holding picket lines today at the West Oakland BART station in addition to the Pittsburg/Bay Point station, ATU representatives said.
