Union: Transdev 'failed to bargain' fair contract, causing bus worker strike

It has been nearly three days that Visalia and surrounding communities have had no city transportation due to a bus worker strike halting transit services.

Teamster Local 517, the union representing the workers, blames Transdev, the transit service operator for Visalia Transit, for offering poor wages and prolonging negotiations.

"Transdev has failed to bargain a fair economic package in good faith," said Greg Landers, Local 517 Secretary-Treasurer. "These workers provide safe and timely transportation services, and they deserve a strong union contract. Local 517 is committed to getting the best possible agreement, and we'll be on the picket line until Transdev offers us a fair deal."

According to the union, negotiations have been ongoing for a month, with workers voting down two offers.

Local bus routes, Dial-A-Ride, Sequoia Shuttle and V-Line are suspended until an agreement can be made. Visalia Transit has yet to find other drivers and dispatchers during the strike and encourages riders to find other forms of transportation, according to its website.

Transdev workers have protested around the Visalia Transit Center since the strike began.

"All we are asking for is a living wage," said James Balducci, a Transdev bus driver. "Transdev's refusal to negotiate an economic package for us is a slap in the face. We are the backbone of the public transit system in our community. We deserve compensation that reflects the important nature of our work."

Transdev is an international private-sector company based in France. It's one of the largest private transit operators in the U.S.

There have been multiple strikes against the transit company around San Diego, Arcadia, and Antelope Valley this year.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: Visalia Transit workers say wage offers have been a 'slap to the face'