(Washington, D.C.) March 4, 2024 - Today, Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689, the union representing over 15,000 transit workers and retirees throughout the Metro Washington area, including WMATA, MetroAccess, DC Circulator, and Streetcar workers, issued strong endorsements of Councilmembers Charles Allen (Ward 6) and Brianne Nadeau (Ward 1). 

Both Councilmembers have faced recall challenges that would mark firsts in the District’s history for potential removal. However, the Union sees both of the efforts, spearheaded by national Republican operatives, as campaigns to demagogue public safety and criminal justice reform to take down two champions of the District, its workers, and their residents.

ATU Local 689 represents over 15,000 transit workers and retirees throughout the Metro Washington area, including WMATA, MetroAccess, DC Circulator, and Streetcar, making it the largest union represented on the Metro DC AFL-CIO. Likewise, the Union has consistently and vocally expressed its concern about the upsurge in violence and antisocial behavior aboard mass transit, both towards transit workers and the riding public. On those fronts, the Union has consistently had willing and active partners in Brianne Nadeau and Charles Allen.

“Charles Allen has been an instrumental leader in making sure our city’s transportation is world-class. We’re looking forward to working with him as a partner to ensure transit is fully funded,” said Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “I’ll also always remember that he was one of the few councilmembers who called me right after we lost one of our own members at the horrific Potomac Ave Metro shooting. He cares about riders, transit, workers, and safety. Make no doubt about it.”

“Brianne Nadeau is a force for making DC a fairer and stronger city,” Local 689 President Jackson explained. “If you look at her record you’ll find a tireless advocate for working families, government accountability, and smart policy. Be it 24 hour bus service, vision zero, criminal justice reform, or fixing our 911 service, Brianne delivers. We remember her support during the Circulator strike especially.”

The Union has pledged to vigorously defend both of them as individuals with deep ties to national Republican politics have taken leadership and donor positions at the front of both recall efforts. Local 689 represents working Washingtonians, who care about keeping this city and its transit safe and equitable for all, whether they are workers or riders. It is confident that it has allies in the two councilmembers for meeting those goals.