Transdev is clearly not serious about bargaining in good faith with Local 689. Yesterday they provided an economic proposal that at first glance appears to be competitive, but in reality ignores the fact that its employees are paid well below other transit workers in the DMV and will continue to be underpaid compared to their competitors’ wage increases. Transdev’s latest wage offer was a slap in the face since its insulting lowball offer is contingent on the Union withdrawing all of its other economic proposals which include better sick leave, reduced healthcare costs, and retirement security. 

Transdev refused to respond to the Union’s timely requests for available bargaining dates earlier this year and despite contract talks starting less than 60 days before the contract expires, Transdev has continuously dragged their feet during the process. The two sides have reached tentative agreements on a variety of issues, but many of the contract’s major issues remain unaddressed because the company has refused to engage in meaningful discussion on economic issues. Transdev has either offered abysmally low numbers or bluntly rejected Local 689’s proposals - with the audacity to claim that their offer is a good deal for workers.

Local 689 members worked on the front line throughout the pandemic to move thousands of people every day across the region. Transdev’s employees deserve to have their dedication and hardwork respected by the company. They have refused to offer a realistic economic proposal that would account for the intense economic pressures impacting its employees over the past three years while continuing to profit off the backs of their workers.

The Union and the company are not scheduled to meet for formal contract talks again before the contract expires November 30th at 11:59 pm. Local 689 expects Transdev to bargain in good faith and present an economic proposal that will address its employees’ kitchen table needs without shaking them down. 

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