BART can train replacement train operators in case of a strike. Problem is, there has to be a strike in order for training to begin, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
BART only has 10 train operators who aren't union -- not nearly enough to run the trains if BART's unions go on strike again on August 4.
There's a 15-week safety course that new train operators need to take before they can take to the rails, the newspaper reported.
But, according to the contract, BART can only begin training workers when workers are on strike -- and workers are back to work following a 4 1/2 day strike earlier this month.
BART management says labor savings are needed to pay for capital improvements. BART has $6 billion worth of upgrades it wants to make to its system.
Train operators need a high school diploma or GED to qualify to apply for work -- and trains are automated, with operators only taking over in the event of an emergency.
That's something that opponents of BART's unions have said makes the workers obsolete.
