What Will You Do If BART Workers Go On Strike?

Picture it.

You arrive at the Pleasant Hill BART station for your Monday morning commute and there are no trains running. None. Not even in the opposite direction.

The freeways and bridges will most certainly be more congested than usual. Gridlocked might be a more accurate term.

There are only so many commuters the bus systems can carry. And it's too far to walk to the office.

What will you do if there is a BART strike next week, as currently authorized by union workers? Have you thought about it? Made alternative plans? Let us know in the comments section.

Here's some things to consider while you ponder.

Four years ago, BART employees threatened to walk off the job. The negotiations went down to the final hour before a strike was averted. The same thing could happen this time around.

In 1997, the transit district employees did go on strike. The walkout lasted six days. It wasn't pretty.

There are a number of differences between then and now.

First, more people are capable of telecommuting than they were 16 years ago. That might cut down on commute traffic.

However, BART carried an average of 250,000 passengers a day in 1997. The trains now transport an average of 400,000 passengers daily. That's 150,000 more commuters who'll be seeking alternative ways to work.

In 1997, the Bay Bridge wasn't in the midst of a major reconstruction. More cars per hour could travel across the span then.

"We're talking about a lot of people trying to get to work," said Rick Rice, a BART spokesman. "It would be commute chaos."

In the past, BART workers have said they would give the public 72 hours notice before walking off the job. That means if they're going to strike on Monday, they'd let everyone know on Friday. However, there's no requirement the workers give 72 hours warning.

Negotiations could continue beyond Sunday night, when the current contract with BART workers expires. The employees could continue working without a contract while both sides kept talking.

Either side can ask Gov. Jerry Brown to order a 60-day cooling off period. However, BART officials have already asked the governor not to grant such a request because that would push a potential strike into September, when the transit system is busier than it is during the summer months.

On Thursday, BART officials said they put forth a new contract offer that comes closer to the employees' demands on pay, health benefits, pensions and safety issues.

However, union officials aren't pleased BART informed the media of the proposal before showing it to labor negotiators.

"They should bring this proposal to us first," said Leo Ruiz, a spokesman for Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555, which represents 945 station agents, train operators and other workers.

On Tuesday, BART employees voted to authorize their unions to call a strike. In fact, 99 percent of the union workers voted for the authorization.

"Our members are serious. This is not a game," Service Employees International Union local president John Arantes told the San Jose Mercury News. "We have no choice."

Negotiations resumed at 11 a.m. Thursday and were scheduled to continue until 5 p.m. After a break, they're set to resume at 7 p.m. On Friday, talks will start again at 11 a.m. and will continue into the weekend, if necessary.

"We still believe there is a deal to be had at the table," said Rice.

BART officials say workers are asking for a 23 percent pay increase over three years. The district is also asking employees to pay more than the current $92 a month for health benefits. They also want workers to start paying into their pension funds.

Bay City News Service contributed to this story.