The Bay Area Rapid Transit workers have gone on strike until their demands are negotiated. Read more after jump
The San Francisco Bay area is experiencing a mass strike among transit workers; causing for a high disruption amongst the many who rely on this form of transit daily. The Bay Area Rapid Transit system has been trying to encourage car pooling while the strike is occurring. In result of this they are opening up the car pool lane through out the day as well as providing coffee gift cards for drivers who are picking up others in need of a ride. ALthough this seems like a nice gesture, it has not been able to substitute for the stop of one the biggest forms of transportation amongst commuters in the area.
In a city consumed with traffic, the public transportation system serves as an asset in decreasing the issue. The system contributes to the commute of over 400,000 daily, allowing for an easier travel amongst those using the system and those driving their own vehicles. The BART Workers are currently refusing to go back to work until their negotiations are met. With this being the second strike within the month, the workers’ demands include: worker safety, pensions, and health care costs.
It has become a battle between workers and state it seems. State officials are pleading that workers return, while workers are demanding their needs be met.
“We need an agreement and not a strike in our BART Service,” San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said. “They need to know that it is no longer a matter of inconvenience to the ridership. It is hardship.”
I’m hoping this ends up turning out for the better of all parties involved. What do you think?
Via WashingtonPost
