(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – Congressman Jamie Raskin (MD-08) released the following statement on the 29th day of the ongoing Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 strike in Virginia:
“I am concerned about the lengthy Metrobus worker strike and labor dispute regarding the unequal treatment of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) full-time employees and Transdev-contracted employees.
“It is my understanding that Transdev-contracted employees drive the same WMATA Metrobuses and wear the same uniforms as WMATA employees, yet they receive significantly less compensation for the same work along with a sub-par health benefits package. According to ATU Local 689, Transdev Cinder Bed Road Metrobus workers have a health insurance plan deductible of $6,000, forcing workers into high financial risk whenever they need to access basic medical care.
“The federal government has entrusted WMATA with the tremendous responsibility of serving our region’s constituents through its management of the nation’s sixth largest bus network. When workers in one part of the region are on strike for 29 days, that disruption of service produces serious ramifications throughout the National Capital Region. It is my hope that WMATA and Transdev can work with ATU Local 689 to reach a bargaining agreement that is dignified and fair and does right by members of our metropolitan regional transit system.”
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