Santa Barbara Bus Strike Averted as MTD Makes Last-Minute Offer to Teamsters
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A strike by Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) workers was averted Tuesday night after the district made a contract offer to Teamsters Local 186, just hours before the current agreement was set to expire at midnight.
The Teamsters agreed to extend their contract through July 31, allowing union members time to review and vote on the proposal, pending approval from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
The last-minute deal means bus service will continue without interruption through the month of July, bringing relief to thousands of daily riders who rely on the system in Santa Barbara, Goleta, and Carpinteria.
“I work five days a week, Monday through Friday,” said rider Katie Hughes. “I need to get to work tomorrow morning, so this really matters.”
MTD and Teamsters 186 have been in negotiations for two months over wages and benefits. Earlier this week, the union posted its demands on social media, calling attention to the financial challenges workers face.
“There’s a bear in the air that everyone wants to know about—and it’s called Santa MTD,” said Teamster Abel Garcia.
The dispute comes as MTD faces ongoing fiscal challenges, including the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funding.
The district serves about 15,000 riders each day, including locals, students, and tourists. A strike could have significantly impacted transportation options during the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend, when hotels like the Pacific Crest are seeing high occupancy.
Union members are expected to vote on the proposed agreement later this month.
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