Bus strike expected to start Monday in Orange County – Orange County Register

Maintenance workers servicing Orange County buses are expected to go on strike beginning early Monday, shutting down routes across the region in time for the morning commute.

The Orange County Transportation Authority and Teamsters Local 952, which represents the 150 maintenance workers, have been negotiating a new contract but said no agreement had been reached as of Sunday afternoon.

The workers had previously approved a strike for Monday at midnight. Her contract expired on September 30th.

OCTA executives said they have met with the union more than 20 times, including mediation sessions, to negotiate a new contract.

Among the issues union officials say are blocking the groups are existing wage and healthcare cost differentials and pension increases.

“OCTA has made every effort to avoid a strike and recognizes the severe impact it will have on the thousands of passengers who rely on OC Bus as their only mode of transportation,” Mark A. Murphy, CEO and also Mayor by Orange, according to a press release. “We have offered the union a fair and competitive deal that rewards our maintenance workers for a great job. In the interests of our drivers, we hope the union will reconsider its position and come back to the table.”

OCTA officials said in the press release they are open to further negotiations.

OCTA and union officials reached an agreement on a contract for the bus drivers in February, the same day a strike was authorized to begin.

Visit www.octa.net for service updates.