Fairfax Connector resumes service after workers reach deal with Transdev
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) — The Fairfax Connector is back in service after nearly two weeks of worker strikes.
Workers represented by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 reached an agreement Tuesday night with Transdev, the company that operates the Fairfax Connector bus service. Bus drivers had been working without a contract since last year.
Fairfax commuters told DC News Now that they are relieved the bus service has resumed.
Chandrea Koduru is an IT specialist who depends on the Fairfax Connector to get to work. He told DC News Now that he had to leave an extra hour early to make it into his office in downtown DC during the strike.
“We are so happy that the bus strike has been called off and buses are running normally. We’re so happy,” said Koduru.
Over 650 Fairfax Connector bus operators and mechanics walked off the job on February 22. They had been in contract negotiations since last October but failed to reach an agreement by December when their contract expired last year.
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Workers demanded retirement security, adequate sick leave, competitive wages, and balanced labor-management rights.
ATU Local 689 released a statement Thursday apologizing to over 26,000 commuters who use the bus service daily.
Fairfax Connector Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay said in a statement that he’s happy bus service is resuming. He also said that he asked for help from a federal mediator to “resolve the impasse between Transdev and the ATU.”
Fairfax Connector drivers told DC News Now that they’re happy to be back at work and missed their riders, but say their strike paid off.
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“I’m very happy and we got what we’re fighting for – almost 90%.
Retirement, I think next year. they are working on it, but we’re going to get it,” said driver, Surender Raj.
ATU Local 689 says workers ratified a strong contract with Transdev that addresses fair pay and strong benefits.
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