Fixed route bus service on Orange County Transportation Authority’s network will continue to operate as the authority and Teamsters Local 952 continue negotiations on a new labor agreement. Picket lines went up for a 96-hour period last week, lifting Sunday afternoon in order for transportation services to ramp back up in time for Tuesday’s election. However, the union said it would call for a return to work stoppage if an agreement was not reached.
“We know that any interruption in bus service hurts the people in our community who have no other way to travel,” said OCTA Chairman and Mayor of Orange Mark A. Murphy. “That’s why we are working hard to avoid a strike and we want to continue negotiating.”
Healthcare was a sticking point ahead of the strike and while there is no agreement, OCTA says it is “encouraged by progress in recent negotiations.” OCTA and Teamsters Local 952 met throughout the weekend and Monday. The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
In an update posted on Tuesday afternoon, Teamsters Local 952 requested its members continue to report to work.
“We continue to remain hopeful that we can reach an agreement," said Teamsters Local 952 Secretary-Treasurer Eric Jimenez.
