Local 689’s statement on WMSC Safety Audit

Safety is the number one priority for Local 689 and our members. We appreciate and share the concerns raised by the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission in the latest safety audit about the critical need to protect workers while they perform essential maintenance tasks to ensure railcars are safe for all passengers. This audit illustrates a long-lasting and unfortunate problem within WMATA regarding system-wide safety issues. As with the decision to raise the speed limit for railcars passing through track work-zones, WMATA has a habit of prioritizing system speed over safety. The Union calls on WMSC to redouble their oversight efforts to ensure that WMATA is safe for all.