We are now approaching the final days of the “cooling-off period” before a second potential strike after weeks of dysfunctional negotiations at BART.
Why has it turned out this way?
In early August, BART management pleaded with the governor for a further 60 days so it could “continue negotiations” and prevent a disruptive stoppage.
As soon as the cooling off period started, however, management refused to meet, telling the unions that the Governor’s injunction did not require that it schedule new negotiations, only that the parties avoid a strike or lockout.
Management has also failed to present any meaningful new proposals during the cooling-off period. Its first “new” proposal came on day 53 and that kept the old base wage offer while adding a regressive healthcare proposal. BART unions, in contrast, have halved their original proposal and agreed to contribute 15 percent more to their health benefits.