Stalled Talks Could Mean Layoffs at BART

A new threat is looming if contract negotiations between BART and unions stall.

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BART spokesman Linton Johnson tells reporters the plan offered to BART workers is not an option because, "They're trying to sell the public on a plan that...

If a contract is not agreed upon soon, BART will begin laying off workers.

"They are going to stall and stall. It's not fair to the riders," BART spokesman Linton Johnson said. "We are going to have to start laying off people, probably station agents."

Union leaders say there is a current proposal on the table that would save $760 million but BART says state policies make the plan unworkable. Agency spokesman Linton Johnson said the plan offered to BART workers is not an option because, "They're trying to sell the public on a plan that doesn't exist."

Carlos Rivera, of Local SEIU 1021 says this is another one of BART's threats to workers.

"Yesterday it was imposition, today it's layoffs." Rivera told the Contra Costa Times, "We are perplexed because we have a proposal on the table that would save $760 million."

Members of the SEIU 1021rejected the offer last week with 98.5% of voters saying "no" to the terms just two days after the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555, which represents about 900 train operators, station agents and power workers, voted unanimously also to reject the offer.

The SEIU represents over 1,400 mechanics, custodians, safety inspectors and clerical employees. Only 16 members voted to accept the deal, which would save $100 million over four years. Negotiations between the unions and the transit agency began April 1.

The transit agency is trying to close a $310 million deficit over the next four years.