Transdev provides transportation services for the Visalia Transit System and SEKI Bus Operations in Sequoia National Park. Photo contributed.

Local transportation workers have gone on strike, with transit service suspended as a result.

Drivers for French multinational transportation operator Transdev working for Visalia Transit Systems and SEKI Bus Operations in Sequoia National Park went on strike Saturday. The drivers, represented by Teamsters Local 517, are demanding “a living wage and fair contract,” according to a news release.

As of July 8, Visalia Transit is suspending its service due to the work stoppage, pausing its fixed Visalia routes and service to and from Farmersville, Exeter and Goshen.

Transit services, including fixed route bus service, Dial-A-Ride, Sequoia Shuttle (both Gateway and Park buses), and V-Line are all suspended until Transdev can fill trips with qualified drivers and dispatchers, according to the City of Visalia.

Local 517 has been in negotiations with Transdev for a month with workers already voting down two offers from the company, according to the Teamsters release.

 

This is the third time in less than three months the Teamsters have gone on strike in California. Other Transdev strikes occurred in San Diego and Orange County.

A message left for a Transdev press contact was not returned Tuesday morning.

“Transdev has failed to bargain a fair economic package in good faith,” said Greg Landers, Local 517 secretary-treasurer. “These workers provide safe and timely transportation services, and they deserve a strong union contract. Local 517 is committed to getting the best possible agreement, and we’ll be on the picket line until Transdev offers us a fair deal.”

James Balducci, a bus driver for Transdev, said they fill an important role.

“Transdev’s refusal to negotiate an economic package for us is a slap in the face. We are the backbone of the public transit system in our community. We deserve compensation that reflects the important nature of our work,” Balducci said.

Teamsters Local 517 represents 1,800 workers in Tulare, Kings, Kern, Fresno and Madera counties.