The union later filed an appeal of the county court’s decision, which is still pending. However, under the new contract, the VTA and the ATU agreed to drop their respective legal actions.
Prior to the court ruling, the union had rejected the agency’s previous offer on March 24, which proposed 11% raises spread over three years. The newly approved contract adds a fourth year but no additional increase in pay over each year of the deal, compared to the prior offer.
In a statement Monday, the VTA characterized the new offer as “competitive and comprehensive,” and said it reflects the “budgetary constraints” the agency is contending with.
VTA spokesperson Stacey Hendler Ross said Monday that the agency is dealing with a roughly $800,000 deficit in the coming year but could be facing a deficit as high as $14 million in the 2027 budget year, with sales tax revenue projections lagging.
“VTA remains focused on protecting current service levels and readying the agency for future growth once sales tax levels return,” the agency’s statement said.
In the new contract, the agency and union also agreed that VTA wouldn’t seek punishments or charges against the union members for their strike actions, which the prior contract offer didn’t include.
Singh, in his letter to members, also thanked them for their “perseverance” and their patience through the lengthy labor dispute.
“As we move forward, our hope is that the VTA and the Board of Directors appreciate our commitment, dedication and the value we all have brought and continue to bring to this Agency,” he wrote. “We are the backbone of this organization, we demand and deserve respect!”
This is a developing story, and it will be updated.
