BART negotiating for new labor contracts.

OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 19, 1997--BART and employees affiliated with five major unions are in the midst of negotiating new contract agreements to replace those that expire at midnight June 30.

The unions in negotiation represent more than 2,800 employees vital to the system's operations ranging from mechanics and front-line supervisors, train operators and station agents, to police officers.

BART began negotiations in April with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1555; Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 790; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3993; BART Police Managers Association (BPMA); and BART Police Officers Association (BPOA).

The talks have addressed work rules, benefits and wages.

BART Board President Margaret K. Pryor indicated the District's dual objectives are to provide a fair and equitable wage and benefit package for the system's employees while maintaining the system's financial ability to carry out its critical renovation program, which is funded in part by recent fare increases.

Since the current contract has been in effect, BART has made substantial investments in new stations, new and renovated cars and improvements for those with disabilities.

"By far the biggest investment we make is in the people who keep our trains running on a daily basis," said Pryor. "We believe these employees are true public servants that take their jobs seriously and are well compensated for the valuable service they provide. BART will continue to bargain in good faith in an effort to avoid any disruption in service or inconvenience to our customers."

During this year's round of negotiations, BART police officers and managers have adopted a position of working in cooperation with BART to achieve a new contract agreement that is mutually beneficial to both organizations. Talks with the police officers and managers unions have centered around a new collective bargaining principle -- interest-based negotiations. Instead of the traditional adversarial course of negotiations, interest-based negotiating allows each party to identify real interests and needs to work together to negotiate agreements that satisfy these needs.

Pryor stated that BART negotiators are ready to meet with union representatives around the clock if necessary to hammer out an agreement that labor leaders can take to their respective memberships. "We will keep the public informed of developments as they occur during the collective bargaining process."

CONTACT: BART

Mike Healy, 510/464-7110