Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Labor Relations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
ATU Local 256 urges board to avert strike, says bargaining has stalled
Summary
ATU Local 256 members delivered unified public comment pressing the board to secure better wages and health benefits, warned that small percentage raises don’t cover rising costs, and said the union does not want a strike but expects the district to negotiate in good faith.
Members of Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 256 filled the public-comment period and addressed the Elk Grove Unified School District board to demand more meaningful movement in contract talks.
Crystal McGee Lee, identified herself as “president business agent, ATU Local 256,” and introduced a lineup of ATU members who repeatedly chanted “Our voice, our power.” An ATU representative told the board that the district’s proposed package — a 2% retroactive raise for 2024–25 and a 1% increase for 2025–26 plus contingent increases and a $1,000 medical payment — “may sound impressive in any presentation, but percentages don't pay bills.” The representative added, “This is not good faith bargaining,” and asked the board to “talk to the drivers, talk to the mechanics.”
The speaker highlighted rising medical premiums (citing Kaiser and Sutter increases), argued that switching health plans is disruptive for employees with ongoing care needs, and said ATU members are asking for wages that “keep pace with the cost of living.” The representative said the union does not want a strike and urged board engagement in upcoming negotiation decisions.
Board President Albayani and trustees did not take formal action during public comment; the board proceeded to its agenda items after the remarks. The public comments are part of an ongoing bargaining cycle that the district and multiple bargaining units are currently engaged in.
