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[CA] Bus union: Raise or strike

 
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Cyberider




Joined: 27 Apr 2007
Posts: 501
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Thu May 03, 2007 2:16 pm    Post subject: [CA] Bus union: Raise or strike Reply with quote

http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1678270.php

Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Bus union: Raise or strike
Governor-appointed state panel hears today from drivers, union leaders and OCTA representatives on wage dispute.
By ELLYN PAK
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Union leaders said this morning that a massive bus strike is imminent if the Orange County Transportation Authority does not provide its drivers with a sufficient wage increase.

Teamster Local 952 representatives told members of a state-appointed ad hoc group that OCTA's offer – a 13 percent increase in wages and benefits over a three-year span – did not match projected living standards.

"In order to resolve this, they're going to have to dig in and find the money," said Patrick D. Kelly, principal officer of the union. "Or we're going to rock and roll."

OCTA representatives said the wage increase is based on economic projections prepared by Chapman University. Union leaders argued that Chapman's projections were off three years ago, during a previous contract negotiation.

Currently, OCTA bus drivers earn hourly wages from $13.72 to $21.42.

The three-person board was appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday to gather facts about the dispute and submit a written report within seven days.

By stepping in, the governor ensured that it would be illegal for a strike to occur for one week. His response came after OCTA officials requested a cooling-off period and the appointment of a board to investigate the dispute.

The governor could order a 60-day cooling-off period after next Monday, during which bus drivers could not strike.

In the meantime, members of the board said they would like more information about how a strike could economically affect the county.

More than 200,000 daily passengers could be affected by such a strike, said Carolyn Cavecche, chairwoman of OCTA. She said she believes the agency "delivered a strong package" during negotiations and hopes to work with union leaders on a resolution.

"We sincerely want to avoid a strike situation," she said.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3788 or epak@ocregister.com
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Cyberider




Joined: 27 Apr 2007
Posts: 501
Location: Tempe, AZ

PostPosted: Tue May 08, 2007 12:41 pm    Post subject: [CA] 60-day injunction keeps O.C. buses moving Reply with quote

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bus8may08,1,5170423.story?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=1&cset=true

60-day injunction keeps O.C. buses moving
Governor had asked for the cooling-off period in hopes drivers and transit officials would return to negotiations. Drivers had voted to strike.
By David Reyes, Times Staff Writer
May 8, 2007

A Superior Court judge granted a 60-day injunction Monday that prohibits 1,100 Orange County bus drivers from going on strike today.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger had sought the legal action, saying a strike would cause a major disruption in the county's transportation network.

More than 200,000 people in the county use the buses daily.

The governor had asked for the cooling-off period after talks between drivers and Orange County Transportation Authority officials broke down several weeks ago.

Judge Dennis S. Choate signed the injunction after a hearing in a Santa Ana courtroom.

Art Leahy, OCTA's chief executive, issued a plea Monday for bus drivers to return to the negotiating table, emphasizing that the invitation was made "without conditions."

Union representatives could not be reached for comment.

Drivers, who are represented by Teamsters Local 952, voted two weeks ago to authorize a strike.

OCTA is offering an 8% pay raise over three years. Drivers want a 14% increase, saying wages failed to keep up with cost-of-living increases during the previous contract.

Drivers' hourly wages range from $13.72 to $21.42.

Last week, the governor blocked a strike for seven days by appointing a panel to gather facts about the dispute.

That panel's report Sunday said a strike would hurt the county.

david.reyes@latimes.com
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