BART Releases Preliminary Findings of Improper Political Activity Investigation

BART’s Office of the General Manager and Office of the General Counsel are currently investigating allegations of improper political activities taking place on BART property. Based upon interviews with some of the individuals involved, it appears that several employee meetings occurred at BART facilities during employee break periods which violated the BART Employee Code of Conduct. The Employee Code of Conduct specifically prohibits employees from engaging in political activities while on district property.

The investigation has not concluded, but according to preliminary findings, the meetings took place on or about April 29 and April 30. In advance, BART's union leaders requested from management and were granted time to meet alone with employees during their break time, as is allowed under the union contract. BART management was not informed of the content of the meetings.

"The Employee Code of Conduct makes abundantly clear that there is to be no campaigning allowed on BART property,"  said Board President Tom Blalock. "Our mission is to provide the Bay Area with great train service, and political activity in our maintenance shops is not allowed."

BART recognizes the right of its employees to engage in political issues and debate, but not to use public resources and facilities to campaign. Furthermore, as a public agency, BART neither endorses candidates nor takes sides in political debates; neither may BART use public resources for political purposes, nor use the BART logo/trademark/brand in a way that is suggestive of an endorsement of any candidate, party or measure.

All employees are required to comply with the BART’s Employee Code of Conduct.  

The district will remind all employees as to the prohibitions on political activity and provide notice that the failure to comply with this provision in the future may result in disciplinary action.