IV Transit employees protest low wages

Imperial Valley Transit employees are protesting low wages.

Before clocking in on Tuesday, employees gathered in the morning to bring awareness to their low wages and what they say are unfair labor practices happening at the company.

First Transit employs 85 people, that includes drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, and utility workers.

Employees are currently in negotiations for a contract renewal with First Transit and they say the company is not negotiating in good faith.

Employees who have been with the company for years say they are still making minimum wage with no opportunity for advancement.

Employees also expressed the need for transparency and respect from employers.

“It’s outrageous and we’re not asking for too much, we’re just asking for a fair contract,” said Isaac Pedroza, First Transit bus driver.

“It’s not just about the wages, there are numerous issues going on within the company, unfair labor practices that they practice as far as trying to intimidate people, and writing people up,” said Pedroza.

“In the last five months I don’t know how many write-ups have been issued, but it’s more than normal,” Pedroza said.

Employees have been negotiating contracts with the company for five months now.

Teamsters Labor Union is representing First Transit employees. The union says they will meet this Thursday with First Transit to continue negotiations.