(Washington, D.C.) March 27, 2024 - Today, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689, the union representing over 15,000 transit workers and retirees, including WMATA, MetroAccess, D.C. Circulator, and Streetcar workers, issued a clear and forceful backing of D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George. 

Councilmember Lewis George has represented Ward 4 since her upset victory in 2020 and has been a lead voice for working families, transit workers, and social justice in the District. The Union in particular notes her support for workers during the D.C. Circulator Strike in 2022. As one of the two councilmembers who walked the picket line with transit workers, her support was a major boost and helped ATU Local 689 secure a decisive win, improving working conditions and compensation at D.C. Circulator.

“With Janeese Lewis George, there is no guessing game about which side she’ll be on,” Local 689 President Raymond Jackson explained. “Time and time again, she has proven that she is a tireless fighter for working class people in a city that far too often leaves them behind. When it comes to standing in solidarity with transit workers, her record is second to none.”

As a Union of over 15,000 members throughout the Metro Washington area, including WMATA, MetroAccess, DC Circulator, and Streetcar, ATU Local 689 is the largest union represented on the Metro DC AFL-CIO. With that power, ATU Local 689 fully intends to support Councilmember George to the fullest extent possible, ensuring that she stays on D.C. council for years to come.