Commuters braved stormy weather and a lack of bus and light rail service Friday morning as a strike by Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority workers reached the end of its first week.

The agency said the strike is impacting about 100,000 riders per day. As a result, those affected have faced increased transportation costs, longer commutes and missed classes. But some commuters expressed support for the strike despite the inconvenience – as well as a hope that it ends soon.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 after contract negotiations . The union is pushing to secure higher pay amid rising costs of living and is seeking contract language that would guarantee arbitration for labor disputes.

went on strike Mondayreached an impasse last week

The two sides met . The mediation session lasted for most of the day, with a focus on coming closer to an agreement on pay raises and arbitration language.

Thursday for the first time since the strike began

The VTA also against the union alleging that it violated a “no strike” clause in their previous contract as another potential route to end the strike, but the union on the grounds that the contract expired.

filed a lawsuit