We Support OC Bus Drivers

The OC bus drivers, unfairly forced to work without a contract after it expired, are making the just demand for a wage increase that barely keeps up with the higher cost of living. After no progress at the bargaining table, the drivers voted to authorize a strike. And then the Governor placed a "cooling off" injunction against striking until July 6th. Now, the OC Transportation Authority (OCTA) has the power to avert the impending bus strike and negotiate fairly. Tell the OCTA Board of Directors that you support the just demands of the bus drivers and you don't want to see any bus service disruption that would affect people who depend on the bus system.

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: I support the Orange County Transportation Authority Coach Operators

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

Dear OCTA Board of Directors,

I support the Orange County Transportation Authority Coach Operators that are represented by Teamsters Local Union 952. Their work is important to safely take workers to their jobs, our children to their schools, and our grandparents to their doctor appointments. These Operators are hard working professionals who, at the end of their shift, want to go home and provide for their families and children like every American worker.

Why is it that the CEO and top management officials at OCTA receive salary raises of double digits and yet they deny these workers' wage proposal that barely keeps up with inflation?

We urge you to direct the OCTA negotiators to sign the extension agreement that they originally promised to sign. In fairness to these workers, we also urge you to direct the OCTA negotiators to provide a proposal that will not unreasonably delay making up for the shortfall from the last contract that was caused by the flawed Chapman University inflation forecast.

Signed by:

Campaign Launched:
June 19, 2007


Background Information

ORANGE COUNTY COACH OPERATORS OVERWHELMINGLY VOTE TO STRIKE

1,100 Teamsters Prepared to Walk the Line for a Fair Contract

(Orange, CA) - More than 1,100 coach operators sent their employer, Orange County Transportation Authority, a clear message this week, overwhelmingly voting for strike authorization. The members of Teamsters Local 952 are prepared to go out on strike if the county does not make a realistic contract offer.

The Orange County Transportation Authority has ignored the reasonable proposals from Local 952, offering wage increases that don't even keep pace with cost of living. Despite continued efforts by the union, and with the contract's expiration date looming on May 1, the transportation authority has refused to make any changes to its economic proposal.

"The transportation authority has not bargained in good faith," said Patrick Kelly, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 952 in Orange, California. "They have stood behind a proposal that marginalizes the important service these hardworking men and women provide for the citizens of Orange County. It is an insult to these workers."

Earlier this week, the bus drivers voted 917-42 for strike authorization, clearing the way for a job action if Orange County Transportation Authority does not change its position before the contract expires.

"We never like to resort to a strike, but Orange County is leaving these workers little choice in the matter," Kelly said. "If these drivers are forced to strike, the public transit system for the county will come to a standstill."

From Press Release:

NEWS FROM Teamsters local 952 140 S. Marks Way, Orange, California 92868 Phone (714) 978-6111 Fax (714) 978-0576

For Immediate Release April 25,2007 Contact: Patrick Kelly, (714) 978-6111