VTA workers prepare to vote on contract despite ongoing strike

In March 2025, VTA workers in Santa Clara County, California, continued their strike that had begun on March 10. The strike, now entering its third week, halted all bus and light rail service across the region, affecting approximately 100,000 daily riders. The labor action stemmed from demands for higher wages and third-party arbitration following the expiration of the previous contract just before the strike began. VTA officials have made multiple proposals, including a recent offer for an 11% pay raise over three years, but union leaders indicated that the workers are seeking a more substantial increase of 18%. As negotiation efforts failed to yield a satisfactory resolution, union representatives expressed disappointment over the transit authority's offers. In an effort to ease the situation, the VTA Board held a special meeting to increase its pay offer, hoping it would persuade workers to consider returning to their positions. Even with the newer proposal, many workers feel it does not keep pace with living expenses in Silicon Valley, where the cost of living is significantly higher than in many other locations. Numerous workers, like Karamdeep Singh, a technician with eight years of experience, articulated the personal hardships caused by the strike. Public response to the ongoing disruption has also been noteworthy, with individuals like 87-year-old Anna Thompson emphasizing their reliance on VTA for critical access to daily necessities. Their frustrations provide insight into the broader community impact of the strike. While VTA leaders maintain that their offers are competitive and reasonable, the union members appear poised to overwhelmingly reject the deal, signaling that the strike may continue indefinitely without a more favorable agreement. Efforts by the transit agency, including outreach to state leadership for intervention, have yet to bring the two parties closer to an agreement. As the uncertainties surrounding the resolution of this conflict continue, both sides remain at an impasse, further complicating the ability of Santa Clara County residents to access essential public transportation services. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between labor rights and the community's need for reliable transit options.