Sunline Bus Drivers, Mechanics Authorize Strike

After working without a contract with the Sunline Transit Agency for over three years, bus drivers and mechanics have voted to authorize a strike.

Neal Silver, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1277, told News Channel 3 that 83 percent of its membership turned out to vote during three voting sessions held Wednesday at Doral Resort in Cathedral City.

In the final tally, 117 members voted down Sunline’s lastest offer in favor of authorizing the strike, while 43 members voted in favor of the offer — a more than 70 percent margin.

Sunline had offered the drivers and mechanics a two-year contract that included a 2 percent pay increase for each year along with a $50 increase in medical contributions. Paratransit operators who don’t have a fixed route and cater to the disabled and the elderly were offered an additional 40 hours in vacation time. Mechanics would have seen a $25 increase in tool allowance, and retirees would have been eligible for lifetime bus passes.

Despite the strike authorization, drivers and mechanics are expected to report to work as normal.

Neal said he hopes Sunline agrees to resume talks and negotiate in good faith in order to avert a work stoppage.