Southern California Rapid Transit District v. United Transportation Union
Opinion
Opinion
Johnson, J.
The Southern California Rapid Transit District (SCRTD) appeals from an order confirming an arbitration award in favor of the United Transportation Union (union). We affirm.
Facts and Proceedings Below
The present dispute stems from a decision by the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission to create a new transportation system in the San Gabriel Valley to be known as the Foothill Transit Zone (Foothill). Foothill would take over 14 bus lines presently operated by the SCRTD. SCRTD’s consent was required for the takeover of its bus lines.
Initially, the SCRTD refused to consent to the formation of Foothill. However, after the commission began withholding approximately $9 million per month in subsidies from SCRTD, the SCRTD relented and gave its consent to Foothill.
The union and others filed suit against SCRTD, the commission and Foothill to enjoin operation of the new transit zone on the grounds Foothill’s operation violated various provisions of the Public Utilities Code, the union’s collective bargaining agreement with SCRTD and other labor contracts. Following a court trial, the court refused to award a permanent injunction against Foothill’s operation. As to…