BART avoids strike as tentative agreement is reached

BART has reached a tentative contract agreement with its operating employees in time to avoid a strike scheduled for Monday morning. Terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.

Jesse Hunt, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555, said the agreement must still be ratified by the 900 rank-and-file members of his union; those members had rejected an earlier contract proposal, making a strike seem more likely.

Hunt expressed cautious optimism, however, for this proposal. "There are no guarantees in life, but we think this is a solid, fair agreement given the economic times," he said. "And I’m confident our members will do what’s right for everyone involved."

"It’s the greatest thing for the Bay Area. It’s what everybody wanted," said James Fang, vice president of BART’s Board of Directors.