Visalia Transit workers reach agreement with Transdev, ending six-week strike

Sheyanne N Romero, Visalia Times-Delta
·2 min read

Transdev, the transit service operator for Visalia Transit, reached an agreement with Teamsters Local 517 workers, ending a six-week strike.

Transportation services were expected to start on Saturday, and include fixed-route, V-Line and Dial-A-Ride. Delays may be experienced during the transition to full transit service, city officials warn.

In addition to fixed routes servicing Visalia residents, routes operated by Transdev also include service to and from Farmersville, Exeter and Goshen.

“The solidarity and unity of Local 517 Teamsters over the past six weeks is what got these hardworking men and women a fair agreement,” said Local 517 Secretary-Treasurer Greg Landers. “The transportation services that these workers provide are essential to keeping the City of Visalia and Sequoia National Park moving efficiently."

With no city buses in sight, about 80 drivers, dispatchers, and others associated with Visalia Transit, protest Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Transit Center to express their expectations for better wages and other conditions from Transdev, the operator for Visalia Transit.
With no city buses in sight, about 80 drivers, dispatchers, and others associated with Visalia Transit, protest Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Transit Center to express their expectations for better wages and other conditions from Transdev, the operator for Visalia Transit.

According to the union, negotiations had been ongoing for a month, with workers voting down two offers prior to reaching an agreement. Workers had protested around the Visalia Transit Center since the strike began in July.

"We are thrilled that they now have a strong contract to show for it,” Landers added.

The one-year agreement is retroactive to July 1, and includes back pay, improved wages, five sick days, Easter as a holiday, formal time off request procedures, and zeroed out attendance points. Workers previously had three sick days and no formal time off, according to union representatives.

“We are ecstatic to have a contract that addresses many of our demands,” said Kenny Ortega, a Transdev bus operator. “Thank you to our riders, community members, and elected officials – especially Councilmember Emmanuel Soto – for joining us on the picket line and fighting alongside us. I can’t wait to get back behind the wheel and see our regular riders again.”

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 was the third strike in California against Transdev in the past few months and will hopefully be the last,” said Matt Taibi, Teamsters Passenger Transportation Division director.

Riders are encouraged to call the Greenline at 1-877-40-GOGREEN (1-877-404-6473) for up-to-date information and trip planning. The Greenline is available Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

About 80 drivers, dispatchers, and others associated with Visalia Transit, protest Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Transit Center to express expectations for better wages and other conditions from Transdev, the operator for Visalia Transit.
About 80 drivers, dispatchers, and others associated with Visalia Transit, protest Saturday, July 8, 2023 at the Transit Center to express expectations for better wages and other conditions from Transdev, the operator for Visalia Transit.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Visalia Transit will resume transportation services