WMATA, ATU Local 689 reach deal on four-year contract

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) yesterday announced a tentative agreement with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 on a four-year labor contract.

If terms are ratified by the union and approved by WMATA's board, the new contract would begin after the current one expires June 30, 2020, WMATA officials said in a joint press release.

ATU Local 689 is WMATA's largest union.

The agreement would create incentives for better customer service, enable WMATA to live within its legally required 3 percent subsidy growth cap, and create a path to bring in-house work performed at Cinder Bed Road bus garage on the Silver Line, they said.

Benefits would cover both labor and management. Economic details won't be released until after union members and WMATA board members have an opportunity to review the agreement.

“After many months of negotiation, we reached a good deal for our employees that also provides our board of directors with an affordable option for bus and rail service for the next four years,” said WMATA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul Wiedefeld.

ATU Local 689 President and Business Agent Raymond Jackson said the agreement will help safeguard union jobs against privatization.

"This deal would benefit all of our members and solidify transit careers as a pathway to the middle class," Jackson said. "We look forward to providing details to our members as soon as possible."

The new deal appeared likely to help bring an end to a strike underway at the bus garage, located in northern Virginia, the Washington Post reported.

The strike began in October. ATU Local 689 has strongly objected to WMATA's privatization of operations at the garage, which is managed by Transdev.