The Path Forward

To the Sisters and Brothers of Local 689,

Our ATU Local 689 family has expanded rapidly over the past few years. Efforts are underway to galvanize our members throughout the region and organize new workers. Everyday, Local 689 focuses its energy on fighting for you and your rights in the workplace. We have secured better contracts with higher wages, better benefits, and fairer treatment for our members. But there is still more work to do for the reminder of 2023 and next year.

We are entering contract negotiations with National Express and Fairfax Connecter, and laying the groundwork for next year’s negotiations with WMATA. We are ready to come to the table and bargain in good-faith, and if need be we’re ready to stand firm against illegal bargaining actions. Local 689 is going to use every tool at our disposal to ensure our members get their fair share and the benefits they deserve.

A union cannot stand by itself without help from its members. We need you all to be engaged and involved with Local 689. Attend the monthly meetings, stand on the picket line, contact your shop steward for updates, and so forth. In addition, unions need support from lawmakers. Every election matters and this year the state legislative elections in Virginia could have devastating effects for the DC Metro system and the labor movement. So we need you to get involved and volunteer your time and energy. Keep an eye out for more information.

The future of ATU Local 689 looks brighter than ever and we are strongest when we stand together. Together, united we stand tall. Separate, we fall. Thank you again for your confidence and trust in me, and I look forward to taking the path forward with you.

In Solidarity,

Raymond N. Jackson

President and Business Agent