Ruling to end VTA strike upheld by appeals court

[Omaha Steve]

ATU Local 265 President Raj Singh (center) with union members and other supporters in March 2025. Photo by B. Sakura Cannestra.

by B. Sakura Cannestra April 11, 2025

An appellate court judge has denied an appeal from a union representing bus drivers and light rail operators with VTA — doubling down on the decision to end a historic worker strike.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 filed the appeal after Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Daniel Nishigaya ruled March 26 the union had to end its 17-day strike, on the grounds it violated the union’s contract. Workers had been on strike from March 10 to March 26, halting bus and light rail service across the region. Service has since been restored. The union represents more than 1,500 frontline workers.

A VTA spokesperson said Friday the denial reaffirms Nishigaya’s ruling.

“The appellate court’s denial of the writ petition allows VTA to continue to serve our customers,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “We are hopeful that ATU will return to bargaining so its members can get a new contract.”

FULL story: https://sanjosespotlight.com/ruling-to-end-vta-union-worker-public-transit-strike-upheld-by-appeals-court/