July 17, 2023 — Visalia City Council
Documented by Matthew Carnero-Macias
What happened: As Visalia Transit workers remain on strike, residents left without public transportation in triple-digit heat pleaded for assistance from Visalia City Council members at their July 17 meeting.
The driver strike began July 8 and continued, as of July 26, pending an agreement between Transdev North America, the transit service operator on behalf of Visalia Transit, and the drivers Teamsters Union, which is negotiating for better wages and hours for workers.
Visalia resident Lisa, whose last name was not available, addressed the council during the public comment portion of the meeting, saying she supports the strike, but hopes the matter is resolved soon, as she and other riders struggle to navigate the city without public transportation services during extreme summer heat conditions.
“We’re losing an opportunity on commerce, we’re disrespecting our labor force, we’re disrespecting our elders, and as a woman of color (I believe) we’re disrespecting our mothers,” she said.
She was joined by several other residents who asked the council if they could assist or respond in some way since Visalia public transportation is funded by the city.
“Yeah it‘s your business; you’re the ones who have that contract and it’s your citizens that are suffering, that are walking in that heat,” said a resident named Michelle, who did not give her last name.
Despite the pleas, the council members stated that their role is to stay out of privatized services and industry.
“Just a point of clarification: the strike is with Transdev, not with the city of Visalia,” said Mayor Brian Poochigian. “We have a contract with Transdev. The strikers are employees of Transdev and they’re not employees of the city of Visalia, so it is a private matter. We have no say (in) what happens on the strike that happens with the company and not with us.”
On July 27, Teamsters Communications Project Manager Matt McQuaid said they last met with Transdev on July 20, “and the employer didn’t move on anything in a significant way.”
“Based on where things are at, we don’t expect buses to be operational again anytime soon,” he said. “Local 517 members are disappointed in the company’s response, not just on our own behalf, but for all of the people who rely on transit in Visalia and the Sequoias.”
He added that he hopes this stoppage in Tulare County brings attention to “Transdev’s record,” which has also led to strikes and public transit interruptions in San Diego (twice), the Antelope Valley, and Tucson, Ariz.
According to the city, Visalia fixed routes, V-LINE, and the Sequoia National Park shuttle are suspended pending an agreement. Dial-A-Ride limited services are available for those that hold an active ADA, Senior or Disabled identification card. Residents needing Dial-A-Ride reservations should call 559-713-4750.
For the current status of Visalia Transit, visit the city of Visalia’s transit site here.
And also: The council also conducted a work session in response to Senate Bill 1186, which will allow cannabis delivery sales in Visalia starting Jan. 1, 2024.
The council voted to approve hiring a cannabis consultant to assist with researching and drafting a cannabis sales tax measure that would potentially appear on the 2024 general election ballot and to initiate zoning ordinances updates.
Up next: The Visalia City Council will meet again on Aug. 7 at 7 p.m.
