Monday Strike Would Shut Down Fresno Bus Service, Union Warns

The union representing 260 bus drivers who work for Fresno FAX Transit warned passengers Friday of a possible strike on Monday that would shut down 18 bus routes.

ATU Local 1027 says the drivers authorized a strike on May 1. Drivers have been without a contract since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the union claims the city is demanding unfair and unsafe provisions before signing a new contract.

Those provisions include:

• Changes to overtime and scheduling that the union says would require the drivers to work longer for less pay and also to have erratic schedules. The union says such provisions will contribute to driver fatigue and make the roads less safe for bus passengers as well as other drivers.
• Unlimited video access aboard buses for supervisors, which the union says is not the industry norm and could pose a distraction for drivers.

Mayor Jerry Dyer is hoping that the city can still work out a resolution and avoid a service interruption, spokeswoman Sontaya Rose said.

“At this time, we are aware of a strike possibility and are working through our options now,” she said.