Fairfax Connector bus service suspended amid worker strike over unfair labor practices
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) — Hundreds of Fairfax Connector workers went on strike on Thursday against the contractor Transdev over unfair labor practices.
The strike caused Fairfax Connector to suspend service all day long on Thursday.
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ATU Local 689 — the transit union that represents the workers who went on strike — said the workers have been working under expired contracts since this past December.
“Due to a job action and work stoppage taken by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689, which represents Fairfax Connector drivers and mechanics, Fairfax Connector Service will be suspended today at 9:00 AM. We encourage our users to please use alternative methods of travel. We apologize for any inconvenience. Fairfax Connector’s operations contractor, Transdev, is currently negotiating a new labor agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689. Fairfax County is not a party to labor negotiations between Transdev and labor unions.”
Release from Fairfax Connector
The union, which represents about 638 Fairfax Connector bus operators and mechanics, said it’s been in contract negotiations with the company Transdev since last fall.
Union officials said that their first bargaining session was on Oct. 13, 2023. The current contract expired on Nov. 30, 2023. On Cec. 19, 2023, members voted to strike if necessary during a strike authorization vote
Union officials said they have sat down with Transdev for about 12 bargaining sessions since October 2023.
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The union’s president, Raymond Jackson, said that he wanted Transdev to put something on the table that looks out for the workers long term
“Put some dignity on their workers. Give your workers the dignity and respect they deserve. These workers out here give 25, 30 years of their lives to this company,” said Jackson. “All they are asking you all for is the right to retire with some form of dignity.”
The union was prioritizing true retirement security, more sick leave, competitive wages for bus operators and mechanics and balanced labor-management rights in the new contract.
Workers plan to continue to strike until about 7 p.m. on Thursday.
In a statement to DC News Now, Transdev said, “Transdev was disappointed over ATU 689’s decision to initiate a strike, despite a generous offer from Transdev. This unexpected action has had a severe impact on the community, particularly those who depend on the Fairfax Connector for their daily transportation needs. Transdev put forth a comprehensive proposal that includes significant wage increases, healthcare benefits, retirement savings, bonuses, guaranteed minimum hours, and additional perks tailored to employees of all experience levels.”
You can read the rest of Transdev’s statement here.
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