Countywide : OCTD Bus Drivers Will Vote on ‘Final’ Offer

Members of United Transportation Union Local 19 have scheduled a vote tonight on whether to accept the “last and final” contract offer made Thursday by the Orange County Transit District. A rejection could mean a strike Monday morning, stranding more than 100,000 county bus riders.

Details of the three-year pact were not revealed by OCTD or the union, and the union’s leaders would not say whether they would recommend acceptance of the contract to the county’s 732 drivers. The union would not strike, even if the pact is rejected, unless one is authorized by a second vote. Union drivers have been working without a contract since Oct. 31.

“There is some sentiment for a strike among some of the drivers, even though it’s just before Christmas and we all need the money,” said a union member who requested anonymity.

Joanne Curran, a spokeswoman for OCTD, said that in the event of a strike, supervisory personnel who were promoted from the ranks of drivers and still possess valid licenses will operate the vehicles.