Santa Clarita / Antelope Valley : Bus Service Circumvents Strike

Bus service in the Antelope Valley is slated to return to normal today, even though about 80 drivers and mechanics remain on strike against the operator of the region’s public transit system.

DAVE Transportation Services Inc. has hired and trained enough replacement workers to bring service back to the level it was before the Oct. 25 walkout began, officials said.

Bill Budlong, executive director of the Antelope Valley Transit Authority, said “everything is back to full operation. It’s great to have 100% of the service back on the street.”

AVTA contracts with DAVE Transportation to operate the bus service, which includes local fixed routes, commuter service to downtown Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley and door-to-door Dial-a-Ride service for seniors and the disabled.

Drivers and mechanics, members of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 572, went on strike alleging unfair labor practices by DAVE Transportation.

If the National Labor Relations Board agrees with the charge, then the striking workers are guaranteed their jobs. The agency has yet to make a ruling.