Monterey & Salinas, CA 30% Of Bus Routes May Be Cut Because Of Union Dispute

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Once again senior transportation needs are at risk, this time thanks to the Union.  Seniors are already poorly serviced in Monterey County on a number of fronts, and cutting more bus routes will only put more seniors at risk, making some home-bound.  A national labor dispute could cost Monterey-Salinas Transit $3 million as the Amalgamated Transit Union has asked the U.S. Department of Labor to hold up allocations to California transit agencies, it was disclosed on Thursday.  The dispute is related to the state's pension reform law which will cut funds going to retirees of transit agencies.  The union contends that the new pension reform law is cutting into areas which should be left to collective bargaining agreements.  The stakes are huge.  The $3 million payment which may be blocked represents an entire month of the Monterey-Salinas Transit's (MST) budget.  The union is trying to block $3 billion to $4 billion in funding to various agencies, some of which can absorb it easier than others.  Monterey Salinas-Transit can't make payroll and service existing routes without the money.  "This is part of our life blood.  If it is going to be yanked, we are going to be proactive," Hunter Horvath, MST's assistant general manager told the Monterey Herald.  There are three public hearings to be held to try and figure out what to do if these cuts become a reality.  The discussion over which 30% of the bus routes will have to be cut will be on January 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Grove council chambers on 300 Forest Avenue, on January 29 at 1:30 p.m. at the Marina Senior Center on 211 Hillcrest Avenue and on January 29 at 5:30 p.m. at Seaside's Oldemeyer Center on 986 Hilby Avenue.  What a tragedy this will be for county residents and employees at Monterey Salinas Transit if this actually happens.

Please note that this blog reflects my personal opinion and may or may not reflect the opinion of Hands To Help Seniors and the individual members comprising the Board of Governors.