Days After WMATA Workers Overwhelmingly Approve New Contract, Metro Workers’ Union Commends WMATA Board’s Ratification

The New CBA Lasts Through June 30, 2028

Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 today commended the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board for their decision to concur with workers and ratify the tentative agreement between the Union and the Authority.

On Monday, Metro workers overwhelmingly, with 90% in approval, ratified a new contract between the Union and WMATA. Negotiations between the two sides began earlier this year, marking the first post-pandemic revision of the entire collective bargaining agreement. Local 689 represents more than 8500 WMATA employees working across the transit system that serves thousands of passengers every day. The new contract secured major victories for Metro workers’ livelihoods, system accountability, and fiscal responsibility.

“The contract overwhelmingly approved by Metro workers is a huge win for the dedicated transit professionals who move our region day in and day out!” exclaimed ATU Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “We negotiated a fair and equitable deal with the Authority ensuring our members continue to receive fair compensation they’ve earned while also enforcing accountability throughout the system. Notably, we were able to get retiree healthcare back for many of our members while also guaranteeing that everyone would see raises through the life of this contract.”

Among the changes made to the CBA, the Union agreed to temporarily cap the rate of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) and take a temporary wage freeze for the first year. In return, the Union secured commitments to wage increases in the following years as well as a reinstatement of retiree health insurance coverage for workers who began their employment after 2010.

Additionally, the Union agreed to changes that would allow the authority to have a lower threshold for certain disciplinary infractions, thereby strengthening the workplace culture and sense of accountability at Metro. The Union and WMATA also agreed to adopt the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) standard requiring 10 hours rest after 14 hours on-duty for bus operators and rail operators. 

“Congratulations to our Local 689 members who have consistently proven that through solidarity and strength at the bargaining table, a strong contract is achievable,” said ATU International President John Costa. “For decades and through many contracts with WMATA, Local 689 has helped transform transit jobs into careers that lift working people up. This is also a victory for the riders who depend on our experienced members to safely and reliably keep communities across the Washington, DC area moving.”

Additionally, the Union is continuing to pressure DC Mayor Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) to negotiate a transfer of the DC Circulator to MetroBus. Other contract negotiations the Union is engaged in include DC Streetcar and Arlington Transit (ART).