Santa Clarita Bus Strike Ends With New Contract After Nearly 2 Months

SANTA CLARITA, Calif.—Santa Clarita Transit buses were rolling again Dec. 4, with a new contract bringing an end to a strike that halted local, school, and commuter service. Teamster-represented bus drivers, dispatchers, ambassadors, and customer service representatives employed by MV Transportation overwhelmingly approved a new contract Dec. 3, prompting Santa Clarita Transit to announce service resuming. Buses began rolling at 4:30 a.m. Dec. 4. The members approved a pact with “significant wage increases, as well as increases to the training premium, while protecting health coverage without additional out-of-pocket expenses,” according to Barbara Maynard of Teamsters Local 572. “We want to thank the Santa Clarita community for your support and patience during this fight,” said Joseph Norwood, a 19-year bus driver employee by MV Transportation. “Many of you joined us on the picket line morning, noon, and night and your solidarity has meant the world to us. We were stronger because of you and look forward to seeing you back on our routes Monday [Dec. 4] morning.”...