LA Transportation Teamsters Authorize Strike, Decline Final Offer

TL/DR -

City of Los Angeles bus drivers, mechanics, and utility workers represented by Teamsters Local 572 are preparing to strike over fair wages and improved benefits. The potential strike comes after the Los Angeles Department of Transportation stated in a report that rates for drivers providing transit services are among the least competitive in the region, causing staffing shortages and significant delays in route on-time performance. The 360 Teamsters affected serve hundreds of thousands of residents in downtown L.A. and surrounding areas and have been in negotiations for months with the city's contractor, MV Transportation.

360 Los Angeles Bus Workers Ready to Strike

MV Transportation workers in Los Angeles, affiliated with Teamsters Local 572, have overwhelmingly voted to strike, rejecting the employer's final offer. These 360 Teamsters, who include bus drivers, mechanics, and utility workers, provide vital services to hundreds of thousands of Los Angeles residents.

"Our members tirelessly connect residents, particularly from vulnerable communities, to essential services around downtown LA and areas including Echo Park, Crenshaw, Fairfax, and Grand Central Station,” says Lourdes Garcia from Local 572. They have been negotiating for improved wages and benefits with MV Transportation, the city's contractor, for several months.

Transit drivers are stretched thin due to constant understaffing, according to Katanya Currie, a driver at MV Transportation. The situation leads to longer hours, heightened stress, and safety compromises for both passengers and drivers. Currie insists that fair wages and improved benefits are needed to attract and retain talent.

Carlos Romero, a mechanic at MV Transportation, adds that they are simply asking for what their counterparts receive - fair wages and a decent retirement. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation's report supports their claim, suggesting updates to contracts to include wage increases for transit drivers.

Teamsters Local 572 represents over 11,500 workers across Southern California. Visit teamsters572.org for further information.

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