Los Angeles bus drivers keep system shut down
(front page)
BY ELIZABETH LARISCY
LOS ANGELES--The bus system here, the country's second-largest, remained shut down as talks between the United Transportation Union and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) collapsed September 26. Bus operators, joined by mechanics and clerks, maintain spirited around-the clock picket lines at transit divisions across the metropolitan area.
On September 21, several thousand strikers and other unionists and supporters held a rally and march called by the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor. The protest filled the streets in front of the MTA headquarters, called the "Taj Mahal" by workers because of its opulence and nearly half-billion dollar price tag. The chant in Spanish Sí se puede (Yes, we can) became popular as unionists began the march around the building.
The 4,400 bus drivers, members of the United Transportation Union (UTU), have been on strike since September 16. Some 2,400 mechanics, custodians, and clerks have been honoring the picket lines. The strikers are opposed to changes in work rules and schedules proposed by the MTA that would impose a four-day workweek of 12-15 hours a day for many drivers, a change that would cut overtime pay. The unionists explain that the MTA wants drivers to work five hours, take an unpaid gap of three to five hours in the workday, and then work five more hours in the evening.
They also oppose management's proposal to cut hourly pay for drivers in half when they must wait for repairs while on duty or when driving an empty bus to the beginning of a route. Other concessions demanded by the MTA include a proposal to contract out more public bus lines to private companies, attempts to cut pensions and other benefits, and increase the percentage of part-time workers.
City officials and the big-business media have been waging an intense propaganda campaign portraying the drivers as greedy, middle-class individuals who are unconcerned about the suffering of the 450,000 commuters. Mayor Richard Riordan declared, "The UTU is holding the public hostage."
The strikers, however, have won support from many working people. Aaron, 29, told the Militant he has joined the picket line every day because "I'm here to give my support to the drivers. The MTA is not being fair with them. I like people who stand up for their rights." He added, "This is not new for me. I went to many strikes when I lived in Mexico."
The big-business media constantly repeats the claim that the average bus driver makes $50,000 a year. The Associated Press even claimed September 23 that "some [are] earning $85,000 with overtime." Strikers explain that the top hourly wage for a bus driver with several years of seniority is $20.72.
New hires start at $10.57. Because of a multi-tier system established by the MTA, many are part-time workers, while others work for contracted-out lines without benefits.
Mike Santillan, a driver for 11 years, said, "Next time it will be worse. We'll get lower and lower if we don't stop it now."
Mayor Riordan and County Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke, head of the MTA, claim that cuts in labor costs are needed to maintain public transportation. Riordan was on his second European vacation in a month, cycling in France during the first week of the strike. He told the Los Angeles Times in a phone interview, "I think we've asked for too little," arguing that the MTA should be asking for bigger concessions from workers.
Lawana Huffman, a bus operator for 17 years, pointed out that "Mayor Riordan and three city council members have votes on the MTA board. That means we're fighting the government and the government is trying to lower the standard of living for the people of Los Angeles."
"We want to work but the MTA obligated us to strike. We will not work until we have a fair contract," said Manuel Garcia, who has been driving for a year and a half. "The company was trying to divide us by keeping us misinformed, but we are not ignorant any longer. We are united."
Antonieta Zuniga, an operator for 11 years, said, "We are not here because we want to be. They force us to act like this."
A second solidarity rally has been called for September 29 at City Hall.
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