A dozen Metropolitan Transit System bus routes in San Diego were interrupted for a sixth straight day on Tuesday as striking drivers continued to walk the picket line.
San Diego City Councilman David Alvarez boosted their cause by rallying with them.
"You deserve a fair contract," shouted Alvarez, who put on a union T-shirt, held up a strike sign and joined 300 drivers, mechanics and others on the picket line in front of the company's headquarters in Kearny Mesa to demand higher wages and health benefits.
"I think it’s time that all leaders in San Diego like myself stand up and deliver the same message," Alvarez said Tuesday. "That we need to get this resolved, we need to get these workers back out there."
Alvarez is also an MTS board member. The workers are members of Teamsters Local 542. They began striking last Wednesday after contract negotiations with their employer, First Transit, reached an impasse.
The bus drivers and workers serve 4,300 people around the county each day who need assistance getting on and off public transportation at doctors appointments and hospital visits.
First Transit spokesman Jay Brock said the union workers have rejected a "fairly strong offer," and there are no new negotiations scheduled at this time.
"We're open to coming back to the table, we're open to communicating with them," Brock told KPBS. "We're trying our best to continue to operate service for the citizens of San Diego to the best of our ability."
Brock said contingency plans have been made for the people who rely on the service. Some routes are being covered by non-union drivers or Yellow cabs.
People who need to make transportation arrangements can call (619) 233-3004 or visit the company's website.
