This vote was not an easy one. The budget deficit projected by BART executives was not caused by our members, nor by BART riders. But it was BART workers and BART riders who were asked to step up to the plate and help resolve this deficit, and we have done that.
This deficit was caused by eight years of Republican policies in Washington, and outlandish greed on Wall Street that has bankrupted our country and put the burden squarely onto the shoulders of ordinary working Americans.
It is a deficit caused by a Republican Governor and an extremist Republican minority in Sacramento whose policies have crippled California and decimated our state’s educational system, social services, public transportation and more.
The disastrous consequences of these economic policies were exploited by BART executives, who scapegoated workers and whose official spokesperson dangerously incited public anger and violence against members of our union.
We are simply middle class Americans, with families and hopes and dreams like anyone else. We have accepted the cuts and sacrifices asked of us for the next four years, which were greater than those asked of any other employees — union or non-union.
Today, a majority of our members voted to ratify this contract. We will sign this contract. And we will continue to strive to provide the highest levels of service and safety for BART riders. That is our priority over the next four years, and we trust that it will be the priority of BART executives as well.
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