FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — On Tuesday, the City of Fresno’s Professional Employees Association’s strike canceled more than 300 Fresno Area Express (FAX) bus routes.
Although bus drivers are not on strike, they took the day off to support union members who are their supervisors.
Striking union workers, who are supervisors in various city departments such as finance, parks, water, sanitation, and FAX, walked away from their desk jobs to picket outside Fresno City Hall.
The strike marks the first day of a planned two-day protest.
“The intention isn’t to cause severe destruction for the people of Fresno. It is just to get city hall’s attention and obviously we got their attention,” said Union President Jesse Gonzalez.
The FAX bus service was significantly impacted, with more than 300 routes canceled. Discussions between the Professional Employees Association and the city broke down on October 14.
The city’s last offer was a package totaling $2,564,000, which Mayor Jerry Dyer said averages out to $6,200 per union member. The union is seeking $4 million for its members.
“I do think that these members have been treated fairly from a financial perspective. It’s unfortunate that it’s come to this point,” said Mayor Dyer.
The union’s demands extend beyond financial compensation. They also seek to limit phone calls when supervisors are off duty.
“My members can’t even go to Disneyland with their families and enjoy it without getting a phone call and expected to respond. Just because we’re salaried employees does not mean we are indentured servants,” said Gonzalez.
The union declared an impasse in October. Both sides are willing to negotiate, but no progress has been made.
