UPDATE: BART Strike Averted. For now.

According to local media outlets, a ‘tentative’ deal has been reached between BART and union negotiators. We can all sleep sound tonight knowing that at least tomorrow we’ll be able to get around the City. Hopefully they can reach a more permanent agreement thereby leaving the general public out of their issues in the days to come.

Original Post August 16, 2009

As of right now, BART Train Operators and Station Agents intend to strike, effective 12:01 a.m. tonight. If you use BART on a daily basis, it’s time to start planning an alternate route to get where you’re going. 

I hate to comment on this ongoing issue because I honestly don’t know enough about both sides of the story, but from what I’ve heard, I find it hard to side with the operators and agents.

The MTA in New York City did this a couple times while I lived there, and it had to be one of the worst days in NYC history (aside from 9-11 and that huge blackout). The entire city is just forced to a standstill where you can’t come or go. You’re just stuck. You can’t drive because you sit in traffic. You can’t take a cab because everyone else is trying the same. It’s absolutely ridiculous. Granted, San Francisco is not New York City, so I doubt a BART strike would be as decapitating.

I understand you feel neglected and/or underpaid, but seriously? Do you realize the state of both the global and national economy? Not to mention the fact that the state of California is like your weird uncle who comes over to ask for money, yet you want more?

When you disrupt hundreds of thousands of citizens in an effort to move your cause, that’s more than a little messed up. It’s not like a grocery store union is on strike. At least then, you have the option of going to a different store. Here, a lot of people use BART and will otherwise have to drive or find another inconvenient commute. I can’t wait to see the ridiculous congestion this causes.

The way I look at it, at least you’re not getting paid in IOU’s like a lot of state employees. And at least you have jobs. Not to mention, the average BART employee already earns well into 6 figures. According to BARTlabor.com, “The average salary and benefits for union members is $114,466 for FY 09 and $116,237 in FY 10.” That fact alone makes it awful hard to side with the unions.

I know obviously everyone doesn’t make that much, but still. And I realize the union fees probably take a chunk out of the salary as well, but maybe they should just get rid of the union instead of trying to raise salaries.