With the help from FMCS Commissioner Isael Hermosillo, who worked with the parties around the clock in a difficult, overnight negotiation, drivers and a San Diego-area bus company avoided a possible strike that could have had dire consequences for local commuters.
The San Diego-area transit district had issued a warning last week that a strike could occur at any time, and that bus riders should be prepared to manage without bus service.
However, with assistance from a federal mediator, Teamsters Local 542, representing some 300 drivers, and First Transit, which operates buses in the district, were able to reach a tentative agreement after a lengthy bargaining session. The drivers had been working without a contract since June 30.
In a statement issued to the news media, First Transit spokesman Jay Brock said, “We would like to recognize the assistance of the federal mediator (Commissioner Hermosillo), and the work of the bargaining committees for both sides in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement to continue service for NCTD customers.
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