Press Release: ATU Local 689 MetroAccess Workers Reach Tentative Agreement with Transdev, Ending Nine-Day Strike
Originally published by ATU International on August 10th, 2022.
Media Contact: David Roscow, 202-487-4990
Forestville, MD - After a unified and strong nine-day strike, ATU Local 689 MetroAccess workers reached a tentative contract agreement with private contractor Transdev. The more than 200 paratransit drivers, utility workers, dispatchers, maintenance workers, and road supervisors, who walked off the job on August 1 after months of intense negotiations, are expected to vote to ratify the contract in the coming days.
Just yesterday, ATU International President John Costa joined more than 100 strikers, elected officials, disability advocates, and other supporters at a rally outside of contract talks at the Local Union Hall and spoke directly to Transdev negotiators to give members the contract they deserve. After the rally, the workers packed the negotiations room as both sides began to bargain.
“Our members stood strong and united throughout this process. They braved the heat and the company’s tactics to try and divide us,” said Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “This strike shows that our members are willing to lay it all on the line for justice. I want to thank the elected officials, all our allies, and our International for coming out and standing with us.”
The new three-year contract with Transdev includes substantial wage increases and improved benefits, including better sick leave, a more secure retirement plan, additional holidays, and other improvements. The workers successfully fought off the company's proposal to offer members less than what their counterparts in Baltimore make and their refusal to enter into a three-year agreement.
“We must still address the issue of privatization of our most vital services like paratransit,” Jackson continued. “WMATA needs to reconsider its relationship with private contractors. It’s not working, and transit workers and riders are being left behind.”
Last year, Local 689 MV Call Center workers went on a one-day strike and were successful in winning a fair contract that helped improve their wages, benefits, and rights on the job. Three weeks ago, Local 689 members at the MetroAccess Hubbard Road facility also voted to strike, if necessary, to win a fair contract. The Local believes that privatization is a misguided approach to public transit, especially for vital services like MetroAccess.
“I am proud of our MetroAccess members. When I visited the picket line, I saw firsthand their strength, unity, and solidarity,” said ATU International President Costa. “The result was a strong contract that recognizes the commitment and dedication of these frontline heroes to provide safe and reliable transportation for our seniors, people with disabilities, and others who rely on MetroAccess. Our members now have a pathway to the middle class for the essential public service they provide. It was an honor to hold the line with you. Together we fought, and together we won!”
