AC Transit workers reject 2nd concession contract offer backed by local and international leadership

AC Transit workers reject 2nd concession contract offer backed by local and international leadership
AC Transit workers reject 2nd contract offer
http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/AC-Transit-workers-reject-2nd-cont...
Michael Cabanatuan
Updated 7:07 pm, Wednesday, October 2, 2013

AC Transit workers, have rejected a tentative new labor agreement, for the second time in two months, raising the potential of a strike that could shut down East Bay and transbay bus service at the same time as a BART strike.

Members of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 192 voted 561-369 on Tuesday to reject the proposed three-year contract, which included raises of 3 percent in the first two years and 3.5 percent in the third year.

It also called for employees to share a portion of their health insurance premiums for the first time. The results were released Wednesday morning.

The union's members, who include bus drivers, mechanics, maintenance and clerical workers, also voted down a less-generous contract in August by a 567-257 vote, and the two sides went back to the bargaining table.

The latest proposal included a higher pay increase, lower health care contributions and some different work rules.

But it was apparently not enough for AC employees, who've endured cutbacks and lean contracts over the past several years.

"Just as homeowners are underwater on a mortgage, AC Transit employees are feeling underwater after this recession," said Yvonne Williams, local president of the union.

"Our negotiating committee worked very hard to achieve this agreement with strong community support. We are very appreciative of that support. We will meet to determine next steps shortly."

AC Transit spokesman Clarence Johnson said he had not been officially notified of the vote and could not comment.

Union representatives had no further comment, including on the possibility of a strike. Members voted overwhelmingly in June to give their negotiating team authorization to call a strike.

Twice - as their July 1 contract deadline neared and then again in August - a strike was averted because of progress at the bargaining table.

An AC Transit strike at the same time as a second BART walkout would paralyze the Bay Area by eliminating one of the principal public transportation alternatives.

Michael Cabanatuan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail:mcabanatuan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ctuan