Statement: Rail Operator Certification & Wiedefeld Resignation

(Forestville, Maryland) May 17th, 2022 – "We hope to provide some clarity on the rumors circulating about Metro. Local 689 has seen some news outlets report that rail operators 'let their certifications expire' or variations on that. This couldn't be further from the truth. Recertifications for rail operations are not like going to the DMV to get your license renewed. These are programs run by the authority and managed by the authority that were not offered to our members.

Regarding Paul Wiedefeld's resignation, over the last two years we had a positive working relationship that was able to solve many problems before they escalated. We hope to continue this labor management partnership with the incoming General Manager and the WMATA Board of Directors. We are fully committed to building a 21st century public transit system that makes this entire region proud. We know how valuable WMATA is to this region and we'll work with anyone and everyone that helps this system realize its full potential."

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Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 has more than 15,000 members and retirees performing occupations within the many skilled transportation crafts for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), MetroAccess, DASH, and the DC Circulator and Streetcar among others. 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.