Tentative Agreement Reached in NCTD Bus Driver Negotiations

A potential work stoppage for North County Transit District (NCTD) Breeze, Lift and Flex service has been temporarily averted. Early April 21, Union officials and First Transit, the company that provides contracted bus service to NCTD, reached a tentative agreement in their contract negotiations. It is expected that this agreement will be voted on by its members early next week.

First Transit released the following statement this morning:

“First Transit is pleased that we have reached a tentative agreement with Teamsters Local 542 for a new three-year agreement. We understand that Local 542 will present the agreement to its members on Tuesday, April 26 or Wednesday, April 27. We would like to recognize the assistance of the federal mediator, and the work of the bargaining committees for both sides in reaching a mutually beneficial agreement to continue service for NCTD customers.  We value our drivers, and we recognize the excellent work they do in providing transportation to the community.”

NCTD remains optimistic that the situation will continue to be resolved amicably between First Transit and their Union members, and that bus service will not be interrupted. Matthew Tucker, NCTD’s Executive Director, said “This tentative agreement is welcomed news for thousands of people across the region that depend on NCTD to get to work, school, and other destinations. We are happy that First Transit and the drivers' Union representatives were able to work together and come to a tentative agreement. We are hopeful that ratification will be forthcoming next week.”