Fairfax Connector Strike Continues after Transdev failed to offer the Union an acceptable deal
The Union and Transdev met today to continue contract negotiations but did not reach an tentative agreement because Transdev failed to offer an acceptable deal. Less than 1 day after the overwhelming majority of Fairfax Connector workers walked out and went on strike last week Thursday, February 22nd, Transdev reached out to ATU Local 689 and said that they wanted to meet today but apparently they were not serious about reaching an agreement. As a result, the Fairfax Connector strike continues tomorrow, Tuesday February 27, 2024 and will continue until a deal has been reached.
The Union is immensely disappointed that Transdev has failed yet again to recognize the importance of ensuring true retirement security to Fairfax Connector workers. Local 689 fully understands that the current 401(K) contribution model has resulted in more than half of the workers having zero to little retirement savings, and that the retirement contribution model used by other transit companies in the region including Alexandria Dash is a far better model.
In addition, Fairfax County officials have continued to remain silent and have refused to stand with workers and demand that their contractor bargain in good faith. The Union does not accept the county’s view that because they are not a party to the contract, they have no role to play. The current Fairfax Connector strike was a last resort for the Union and could have been avoided if only the County officials had taken steps to ensure their contractor who provides a service to thousands of their constituents bargained in good faith. To this date, Chair McKay has still not met with the Union leadership. The Union is more than willing to meet with Chair McKay when he’s ready.
The next scheduled session between Local 689 and Transdev is March 5, 2024. Federal mediators are expected to attend this session. However, should Transdev contact Local 689 and say that they are ready to meet sooner, the Union stands ready to continue contract talks whenever and wherever necessary.
