Bus drivers say 8% increase isn’t enough

Bus drivers seeking a 14% pay increase have told a state investigative panel that the 8% raise offered by the Orange County Transportation Authority isn’t enough to keep pace with inflation, union officials said Wednesday.

Teamsters Local 952, representing more than 1,100 drivers, told the three-member panel, appointed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to investigate the matter, that the driver’s old contract, which expired Monday, underestimated inflation by 6%.

An OCTA spokesman countered that the authority had made a fair offer and hoped both sides would return to the negotiating table.

The panel is expected to submit a written report to the governor by Tuesday.