SACRAMENTO, CA – On March 8, 2026, at the AFSCME PEOPLE California Convention, the delegate body delivered a powerful action of support for the future of California public transit. Representing over 125,000 active AFSCME members, delegates voted unanimously to approve the "Resolution in Support of Sustainable Public Transit Funding and a Bay Area Regional Transit Revenue Measure."

The resounding support from our union siblings marks a significant victory for labor and public transit. When the resolution reached the floor, representatives from across the state stood and spoke in solidarity—including affiliates representing LA Metro employees and thousands of workers from the University of California system.

Before the final vote, AFSCME Local 3993 President Sal Cruz called on all members to maintain this momentum in support of the Connect Bay Area measure.
 

Building Power for the 2026 General Election
The overwhelming support is a clear signal: AFSCME members statewide recognize that a thriving Bay Area public transit system is vital to the entire state's economy. Throughout the weekend, Local 3993 leaders—including Sal Cruz, Vivian Gunderson, Julian Chacon, Richard Fuentes, and Nicolette Perkins—engaged in strategic discussions with key leadership, including AFSCME International Secretary-Treasurer Elissa McBride.

The work accomplished at this convention has placed Connect Bay Area at the forefront of AFSCME California’s legislative priorities for the 2026 General Election. When the time comes to mobilize, our 125,000 union siblings will be primed, organized, and ready to win.

Full Text of the Resolution

Resolution in Support of Sustainable Public Transit Funding and a Bay Area Regional Transit Revenue Measure
Sponsored by: AFSCME Local 3993, AFSCME Local 3916, AFSCME Council 57
Signed by: Sal Cruz (Local 3993), Julian Chacon (Local 3993), Richard Fuentes (Local 3993), Owen Goetze (Local 3916), Sultana Adams (Local 3916), Ajay Martin (Local 3916).

WHEREAS, public transit is a critical component of California's economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and equitable access to opportunity, ensuring that residents, including AFSCME brothers and sisters, of all income levels can travel to work, school, healthcare, and other essential destinations; and

WHEREAS, the Bay Area's public transit systems-including (AC) Transit, San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SF Muni), and the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and other regional and local agencies-face ongoing structural funding challenges that threaten service reliability with cuts to union jobs, affordability, and long-term sustainability; and

WHEREAS, a well-funded transit network reduces greenhouse gas emissions, relieves road congestion, improves air quality, and supports climate action goals across the Bay Area and the State of California; and

WHEREAS, long-term investment in sustainable public transit is necessary not only to maintain existing service but to expand frequency, accessibility, and safety, particularly for low-income riders and historically underserved communities; and 

WHEREAS, the Bay Area is exploring the development of a regional transit funding measure to provide stable and dedicated revenue for operations, maintenance, and system improvements across multiple transit agencies that employ thousands of AFSCME and other union represented positions; and

WHEREAS, any current regional transit revenue proposal is an important opportunity to stabilize and improve Bay Area transit, and future measures should prioritize equitable and progressive funding structures.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that AFSCME PEOPLE supports sustainable and equitable funding levels and endorses a Bay Area regional transit revenue measure aimed at preserving and improving the region’s transportation network.