Palmdale, Calif. -- Bus riders found out early Friday morning that their scheduled routes were cancelled, after AVTA bus operators decided to strike.
Multiple passengers were left without a ride, like Domikian Ware, who, because of the disruption, was late to an appointment.
“It actually made an enormous inconvenience. There are a lot of people expecting me. I planned the route early because of how the routes work,” said Ware.
The picket signs come after disagreements in contract negotiations with AVTA’s contracted provider, Transdev and the bus operator’s union, Teamsters Local 848.
MORE | AVTA Bus Drivers May Strike as Contract Negotiations Stall
The drivers say they're underpaid and subjected to dangerous conditions in the buses. They say they had no other choice after unsuccessful negotiations that began when their last contract expired in December.
“They haven’t engaged us to come back to the table to continue negotiations. They seem to be not willing to enter into those discussions,” said Teamsters Local 848 Business Representative, Joe Pimentel.
Transdev presented what they call their best and final offer on March 2. Bus operators were set to vote on that offer on Saturday.
“We’re hoping they take a look at the offer again in front of them, if they’re able to vote tomorrow on it and realize that it’s a generous and fair salary with benefits for operators in the valley,” said Transdev Communications Manager, Scott Hagen.
AVTA is hoping to have restored full service by Tuesday. For those heading to Los Angeles, Metrolink is honoring AVTA’s 30 day passes. People can find route updates on their Twitter and Facebook page.