As the transit strike in the South Bay marks its third week, the discord between the VTA and its workers intensifies, with the latest contract offer being firmly rejected by ATU Local 265. In a vote characterized by a significant turnout, 83% of the union members refused to accept the authority’s proposal. The meeting took place at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, shedding light on the ongoing tussle that has halted bus and light rail services, affecting the daily commute of approximately 100,000 riders.

Union President Raj Singh disapproved of VTA's bargaining approach, stating to CBS News San Francisco, "This is in part due to VTA's aggressive bargaining. In their latest offer, they presented us several items that they included in the package that were originally removed from the conversation back in January. Had they not done that we might have had a different outcome.”

In a statement that came a close second to the union's announcement, the transport authority portrayed the offer as generous, especially under current economic uncertainties. "At a time when so many workers across industries are facing uncertainty and job losses, VTA is proud to offer stability and opportunity," a VTA representative said, as per the same CBS News San Francisco report. The contract purportedly includes a pay raise of 11% over three years, a figure the union still finds unsatisfactory.

Earlier remarks by VTA Assistant General Manager Greg Richardson, who allegedly described the workers as “uneducated”, added fuel to the fire, intensifying the estrangement between the two parties. "This overwhelming no vote on this VTA contract proposal shows our members are 'educated.' They know an appalling and demeaning contract offer when they see it,” ATU International President John Costa told ATU’s press outlet. The union, standing in unity, continues to demand fair wages and better working conditions, recalling the May 2021 mass shooting incident that claimed the lives of Local 265 members.