Work stoppage could happen as soon as Monday if no deal is struck between union and transit contractor
City of Santa Clarita transit workers are going on strike and it will result in most local routes and all commuter routes being suspended as early as Monday, according to a press release issued by the city on Thursday.
On Sept. 15, MV Transportation, which partners with the city for transit services, was made aware that Teamsters Local 572 had authorized a strike if workers felt their demands were not met, and it seems as though they were not.
“We know that this strike is going to have a major impact on our residents who depend on Santa Clarita Transit to get to their jobs, school and other important destinations,” wrote Mayor Jason Gibbs in a prepared statement. “We urge everyone to stay informed of what routes are not in service, so they can make alternate plans. We encourage both parties to continue bargaining in good faith and hope an agreement is reached as soon as possible for the benefit of our community and all involved.”
As a result of the strike, according to city officials, the following Santa Clarita Transit services are to be suspended as soon as Monday, assuming no deal is struck before then between MV Transportation and the union:
All commuter service.
Most local service, except for limited trips on Route 5, 6 and 12.
Most Dial-a-Ride service, except for urgent medical appointments.
Most Tripper Service, except for: Route 628, Route 627, Route 623, Route 634, Route 621.
The William S. Hart Union High School District notified parents they should consider alternate methods for their students to get to school if they take the bus.
On Thursday evening the Hart district sent out a notice to families that detailed limited solutions to support students. It said the city and the district were actively working to minimize the strike’s effect on students by doing the following:
Santa Clarita Transit will prioritize available resources to support high-ridership student day tripper routes.
The Hart district has secured additional buses and drivers from third-party charter bus companies to replace some canceled Santa Clarita Transit student routes.
Existing Hart district yellow bus services for special education students will continue unaffected.
“Please note that while we are working diligently to secure extra transportation resources, the Hart district may not be able to fully replace all canceled Santa Clarita Transit day tripper routes,” read the statement sent to Hart district families.
The district strongly urged families who rely on city transit services to make alternative arrangements for travel to and from school.
“We appreciate your patience during this challenging time,” read the statement. “The district hopes that both parties involved in the dispute will continue negotiations in good faith and reach an agreement for the benefit of our students, community and all those affected.”
According to district officials, most students who do take the bus to school take the city bus and will no doubt be affected by the lack of service.
The following link was provided with information on alternative transportation resources and answers to questions regarding which services are available and how school activities will be affected: tinyurl.com/25frphk7.
Neither the city of Santa Clarita nor the Hart district are involved in the negotiations — the contract dispute is between the MV Transportation and Teamsters Local 572.
This is a breaking news story and additional information will be added as it becomes available.
