VTA workers approve new contract to raise wages and improve benefits, ending months-long conflict

Zach Fuentes Image
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
VTA workers approve new contract, ending months-long conflict
VTA workers have voted 'Yes' on the latest contract proposal after almost three months of negotiations that included a historic strike that shut down VTA service for weeks.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- VTA workers have approved a new contract in a deal that brings a months-long conflict between the workers and the transit agency to an end.

Union members have voted 'Yes' on the latest contract proposal after almost three months of negotiations that included a historic strike.

PREVIOUS: Union employees to vote on new VTA contract proposal months after transit strike

Voting closed at 10 p.m. Tuesday and the results were posted just before 2 a,.m. Wednesday. The vote was 689 in favor of ratifying the contract with 298 voting no.

This is a major step after the strike earlier this year that shut down VTA service for weeks.

A judge ended the strike, but an agreement still wasn't reached between VTA and ATU Local 265 members.

MORE: Judge sides with VTA, orders union workers strike to end

A Santa Clara County judge has ruled with the VTA and issued an injunction to end the union workers strike and bring back bus and light rail services.

Now, the contract includes wage increases, improved dental benefits, a voucher for uniforms, and improved workplace policies.

"VTA has made a significantly different proposal this time with a cumulative increase in wages of 14.5% over 4 years. So that's 4%, 3.5%, 3% and 4%," VTA Spokesperson Stacey Hendler Ross said.

In a message to members, the union president thanked them for their "solidarity, perseverance, and trust" during what he called a long, drawn-out process.

Union leaders say they'll notify VTA and the Board of Directors of the ratification results Wednesday.

With the votes in, the contract will officially take effect June 9.

Now Streaming 24/7 Click Here
Copyright © 2025 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.