VTA workers on strike impact over 100,000 commuters across Santa Clara County

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) -- A major disruption to public transportation has taken place in Santa Clara County, as VTA workers have gone on strike for the first time since the 1960s. The strike, now in its 12th day, has impacted over 100,000 riders, shutting down all bus and light rail services.

Workers from the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265 gathered at five strike locations in San Jose, holding signs demanding fair wages, improved benefits, and better working conditions.

The strike follows the tragic mass shooting at a VTA facility in May 2021 that claimed the lives of several workers, a tragedy that has not been fully addressed, according to the union.

As the strike continues, residents who rely on public transportation for commuting to work, school, and other activities are experiencing significant disruptions with no resolution in sight.

"The strike needs to get resolved as soon as possible. We're inconveniencing and harming a lot of people who depend on us to get around. And I would hope both sides do what they need to get back to work," Paul Taylor a VTA worker for 10 years said.

"We're worried about our wages and our worker rights eroding in this job, not being able to pass down to the next generation when we give it up and retire and move on," Stephen Tritton, who has worked for VTA for 12 years said.

The strike began on March 10th, with workers citing a lack of progress in improving workplace conditions since the 2021 shooting.

After six months of stalled negotiations, nearly 96% of Local 265 members voted to authorize the strike.

The VTA has stated that due to the strike, they are currently unable to provide bus or light rail service, but paratransit services will continue to operate as usual.