http://www.sbsun.com/news/ci_6989653Bus drivers to strike
Omnitrans workers vote to walk out on Oct. 12
Selicia Kennedy-Ross, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 09/24/2007 09:58:41 PM PDT
Omnitrans bus drivers, who represent 27 lines throughout San Bernardino County, have voted to strike on Oct. 12.
The drivers have been unable to come to a contract agreement with Omnitrans management.
"Quite a few high school kids depend on our buses and a lot of seniors and disabled," said Dale Moore, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1704, which represents the agency's 445 drivers.
"We don't want to go on strike, we care about our public, but there are limits to everything."
The Omnitrans bus lines have an average of 50,000 "boardings," not unique riders, daily in its service areas throughout the county.
Moore said he was concerned about the poor people in the area who have no other means of transport. He said the union wanted to give the public enough notice to make other transportation arrangements.
Moore said contract negotiations have been dragging on for nine months with no resolution.
"We feel they are negotiating in bad faith," Moore said. "We're looking for a fair raise and retroactive back pay to March."
FULL story at link.