Press Release: Alexandria DASH Operators Vote Unanimously to Approve Contract

(Alexandria, Virginia) May 22nd, 2019 – DASH bus operators and members of Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 689 (ATU Local 689) voted to approve their contract with Alexandria’s DASH transit company. The vote was unanimous with 111 DASH Operators voting in favor of the contract. Voting was conducted by secret ballot and had 79% turnout. This is the first time in its 35 year history that DASH workers will have a union contract. 

“This contract will go a long way towards giving these workers what they deserve: respect on the job and fair pay. We’re proud to welcome DASH operators to the ATU Local 689 family.” said President and Business Agent Raymond Jackson. 

Past pay scales for DASH maxed out operator salaries at $3 to $10 per hour less than WMATA operators. DASH operators took 20 years to reach the top of the hourly pay scale, rather than the 7 years to reach the max pay within the WMATA system. 

The new approved contract will last for a four year term and includes dramatic pay increases. DASH operators will now be able to reach a max pay scale of $34.72 per hour after only five years of service. This is actually higher than the current $32.80 per hour max pay of the WMATA system. The contract also includes pay increases of 1.5% in 2020, 1.5% in 2021, and 2.75% in 2022. The contract also provides workers with sick leave, vacation time, and holiday pay. The contract covers all full-time and regular part-time employees, representing around 130 workers. The contract will go into effect on July 1st, but pay increases are going into effect immediately on May 26th. 

“We’ve bargained with DASH management since November when the workers first won their vote to unionize. DASH workers were discouraged by being some of the lowest paid bus operators in the region. We’re proud to say that we’ve been able to reach a tentative agreement that will resolve many of the problems voiced by the operators” said Jackson after reaching a tentative agreement over the weekend.

"Because of this union contract more of these workers will actually be able to live in the community that they serve,” added ATU President Jackson. Despite many days at the table and several union busting attempts, workers stuck together and fought to improve their situation. ATU Local 689 looks forward to representing these brave workers and also looks forward to a very conducive and progressive relationship with DASH Management.

###

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 is comprised of more than 13,000 members performing occupations within the many skilled transportation crafts for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), MetroAccess, and the DC Streetcar. A member of the Amalgamated Transit Union (AFL-CIO/CLC), the largest labor organization representing transit workers in the United States and Canada, Local 689 was established on January 19, 1916. For more information please visit our website at atulocal689.org.