Representatives of ATU Local 689 opened contract negotiations with National Express Transit Corporation/Diamond Transportation. National Express Transit is among the companies contracted by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to provide paratransit for passengers throughout the DC region. The current contract which will cover 263 employees working out of locations in Lorton, VA, Springfield, VA, and Temple Hills, MD, expires at the end of this year on December 31st.

“Local 689 is ready to engage with National Express Transit in a thorough and good-faith process to improve conditions for workers at the bargaining table,” said Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “Our members provide a critical public service each and every day and they deserve a contract that’s reflective of their dedication. We look forward to hopefully a productive negotiation in the weeks ahead.”

ATU Local 689 presented a comprehensive and broad proposal to the company during the first session which included fair and equitable changes. Local 689 anticipates they will receive a formal response from National Express later this week.