VTA Strike

Gwen Carroll
3 days ago
3 min read

By Andrew Xie 5/21/2025

On March 10, hundreds of Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) employees walked off the job, launching a 17-day strike that deeply impacted the region’s public transit system. Organized by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265, the strike highlighted tensions over wages, benefits and working conditions, leaving roughly 100,000 daily commuters scrambling for transportation alternatives.

The union’s dispute had been pending for months. Workers demanded higher wages to keep up with the rising cost of living, improved healthcare benefits and stronger job protections. According to the ATU, VTA’s proposed raises lagged behind inflation, effectively leaving workers with less purchasing power. Tensions escalated after negotiations stalled in late February.

After a breakdown in last-minute mediation efforts, the strike began with workers protesting at picket lines set up at key VTA facilities. During the strike, VTA halted light rail and bus services across Santa Clara County. Only paratransit services, which assist riders with disabilities, continued on a limited basis. VTA management stated that safety concerns made it impossible to maintain normal operations without trained operators and maintenance staff.

“I understand why they were striking, but it hurt a lot of people who had no other options for transportation,” Freshman Kaden Sung said.

The ATU played a central role in organizing picket lines and keeping workers unified. ATU leaders emphasized that the strike was a last resort, pointing to years of strained labor relations. A union spokesperson told KTVU that members are frustrated with low wages, especially since VTA executives continue to receive yearly bonuses.

In response to the strike, VTA proposed a contract that included a nine percent wage increase over three years, a $2,500 signing bonus and modest improvements to healthcare coverage. However, union leaders argued that these improvements did not meet the original demands for a 15 percent raise and lower out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Workers also voiced concerns that the offer failed to address long hours and unpredictable schedules.

The strike’s effects rippled throughout the community. Many residents found themselves stranded, unable to reach work, school, or essential services. Workers lost nearly three weeks of wages—a loss some believed was necessary for their cause, while others felt undermined the merits of the long strike.

“I often use VTA transportation to commute to work and meet with friends, as I do not own a car. During the VTA strike, I had trouble showing up to work, which affected how many hours I could work. Nevertheless, I support the workers’ right to strike because they provide a necessary service to the people, and we are at risk of losing the service entirely if we don’t compensate them for their time,” Junior Dominic Apps said.

After a Santa Clara County judge ruled that the union must end the strike and return to work, citing critical public interest, both sides agreed to a revised contract based closely on VTA’s original offer. Union members ratified the agreement with a slim majority. Under the new contract, employees will receive a nine percent raise over three years, a $1500 signing bonus and minor improvements to health insurance premiums. Many workers were dissatisfied with the result. According to a report from KTVU, many employees believed the gains did not match the sacrifices made during the strike. Still, union leaders highlighted the gains as a foundation for future negotiations.

Union attorneys appealed the decision to end the strike, arguing that workers’ rights to strike were being infringed upon. However, the court upheld its decision, emphasizing the vital nature of public transportation services and the need to prevent ongoing hardship for the broader community.

As service gradually resumes across Santa Clara County, the VTA strike serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between workers’ rights and community needs. Whether future negotiations will avoid similar confrontations remains to be seen.

About the Contributors

Andrew Xie

Writer

Andrew Xie is a Freshman at Leland High School and is a Writer. He loves reading and writing and this is his first year in journalism. He likes watching soccer and playing video games.