Golden Gate Bridge Workers Hold First Meeting With District Management Since Union Authorized Strike
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Representatives of a 13-union coalition of Golden Gate Bridge workers urged the transportation district board on Friday to give them a fair contract.
In a familiar argument heard between management and public labor groups, workers say the proposed raises don't cover the cost of health-care premiums. The Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District is offering three percent annually over three years.
It's the same raise the board approved for non-union workers on Friday. The coalition of unions representing iron workers, ferry boat captains, bus maintenance workers said it's not enough.
Coalition Co-chair Alex Tonisson said the district is saving money with the toll-booth worker layoffs and also with electronic toll collecting.
"They're in their best financial situation in a decade. They have the money to give real wage increases that just keep up with the cost of living. We're not asking for anything outrageous here. This is really just keeping up with what the Bureau of Labor Statistics says is the cost of living in the Bay Area," he said.
A strike was authorized Tuesday, that would affect Golden Gate Ferry Service, but no date was set.
Both sides are expected to head back to the bargaining table on Monday. The district hopes to avoid a strike, but the unions have been leafleting commuters this week, warning them to plan ahead.