Los Angeles Transportation Teamsters Authorize Strike, Reject Final Offer

https://teamster.org/2024/03/los-angeles-transportation-teamsters-authorize-strike-reject-final-offer/

2024.03.20

360 City of Los Angeles Bus Drivers, Mechanics, and Utility Workers Prepare to Strike

Press Contact: Christian Castro Phone: (310) 857-9817 Email: ccastro@teamstersjc42.org

(LOS ANGELES) – MV Transportation workers in the City of Los Angeles, represented by Teamsters Local 572, have voted overwhelmingly to strike, rejecting the employer’s last, best, and final offer. The 360 Teamsters serve hundreds of thousands of residents in downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas such as Echo Park, Crenshaw, Fairfax, and Grand Central Station.

“Our members are the heartbeat of this city, tirelessly ensuring that residents—especially those from our most vulnerable communities—reach their destinations safely,” said Lourdes Garcia, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 572 in Carson. “From school to crucial medical appointments, our drivers are the lifeline connecting people to essential services. It’s high time our city leaders and MV Transportation recognize the invaluable contributions of our members and the indispensable role they play in our communities.”

Local 572 members have been in negotiations for months with the City of Los Angeles contractor MV Transportation, demanding fair wages and improved benefits.

“As a transit driver, every day feels like a battle,” said Katanya Currie, a driver at MV Transportation. “We’re stretched thin, trying to keep up with the demands of our routes while dealing with the harsh reality of constant understaffing. Being overworked by MV Transportation has become the norm as they struggle to fill vacancies and maintain service levels. Despite our commitment to providing reliable transportation, constant staffing shortages result in longer hours, increased stress, and compromised safety for passengers and drivers. It’s time for MV Transportation to take real action to address these issues, starting with fair wages and improved benefits to attract and retain talent in our essential roles.”

FULL story at link above.