The Southern California transit strike has entered its sixth day, forcing commuters to search for alternative methods of transportation. About 2,200 Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) mechanics, joined by nearly 6,000 drivers and train operators, went on strike Tuesday following a disagreement in contract negotiations over the cost of health care coverage. Although progress is being made in talks with the train operators and drivers, negotiations between mechanics and the MTA have remained stalled. In addition to the transit strike, about 70,000 grocery clerks from three major companies went on strike or were locked out Oct. 11 in Southern and Central California. No new negotiations have been scheduled for these workers.
See "No Progress in Calif. Labor Strikes", The New York Times, October 19, 2003