BART Management Forces Workers to Go on Strike

California Labor Movement Stands in Solidarity with Workers in Fight for Fair Contract

Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer
Art Pulaski

“For any union, going on strike is a last resort. After marathon negotiations in recent days that produced considerable progress, Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) management pulled the rug out from under workers by demanding changes to workplace rules that protect workers from a range of abuses, including sexual harassment. The unions even agreed to arbitration to settle the remaining disputes on workplace issues, an offer that was flatly denied by management. As a result, BART workers were left with no other choice but to go on strike this morning.

“BART workers repeatedly made concessions on economic proposals in recent weeks with the goal of averting a strike, even as management refused to bargain in good faith. It’s a travesty that even after workers made those concessions, management decided to move the goal posts in the 11th hour. This has not been a fair process to the hardworking women and men of BART from the beginning.

“Today’s strike was not an outcome workers wanted. But it was the only outcome management would allow. The California labor movement will continue to support BART workers in their fight for a fair contract. We urge BART management to quickly negotiate a fair settlement that allows workers to get back to doing what they’ve done for years — serving the Bay Area community with professionalism, dedication and commitment.”

 

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