Imperial Valley Transit workers hold practice strike demonstration

EL CENTRO — Workers staged a practice strike demonstration at the Imperial Valley Transit operation and maintenance yard before sunrise March 17 at Ross Ave. in El Centro. 

Close to 40 members of Teamsters Local 542 (TL 542), carried signs at the yard entrance with a message “Just Practicing on Strike” as they cheered and attracted the attention of passing motorists. Demonstrators were mostly drivers, mechanics and bus washers. 

Friday morning’s 4:30 A.M. demonstration was a precursor to a strike in the event of a contract negotiation failure between Imperial Valley Transit (IVT) and members of TL 542 whose membership includes San Diego and Imperial Counties. 

Voting for the contract negotiation is on March 26, according to Matthew Snyder, a business representative of TL 542. 

“The previous contract had expired on December 31, 2022. So, we are working on an extension agreement,” said Snyder. 

“We’ve been in negotiation for about four months,” said Isaac Pedroza, a driver who has been driving on-and-off for 20 years. Included in the negotiations were safe working conditions and wages. Among the items discussed were air conditioning and sun protective visors for drivers. 

“We need backup support from the community,” said Pedroza. “We transport disabled individuals, the elderly and students to their destinations safely.” 

Snyder said, “I don’t think we should be working under such conditions when people depend on us. They need to be comfortable and safe.” 

The Imperial County Transportation Commission (ICTC) was established under Senate Bill 607-Ducheny which was approved by the California Legislature and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2009, according to the Commission’s website. 

The ICTC provides direct management, administration and oversight of Imperial Valley Transit and its Inner City Circulator Service; MedTrans; IVT Access; IVT Ride; and the Local Transportation Authority, according to the Commission’s website. 

IVT staff work for subcontractor First Transit, a third party operator hired by ICTC, said ICTC Executive Director David Aguirre. 

First Transit had presented their last and final agreement. “As it is right now, its a hundred percent ‘No Vote’. A ‘No Vote’ will lead to a strike authorization,” said Snyder. 

A potential strike demonstration may ensue if there is a contract disagreement in collective bargaining resulting from a March 26 decision, according to Snyder. 

In previous contract negotiations, First Transit told workers, “We will take care of it. Just give us until the next contract,” said Snyder, who was not satisfied with the current agreement. “This is now the third time we were told. And it has to stop.” 

The initial contract was about seven years ago. Each contract averages 3-4 years. 

“We would like to see that the contract agreement will benefit both entities. We will continue to monitor the situation,” said ICTC Executive Director David Aguirre.