WMATA approves 4-year labor pact with ATU

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's (WMATA) board earlier this week approved a new four-year contract with the agency's largest union, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689.

The union represents more than 8,000 employees, including bus and Metrorail train operators, station managers, maintenance workers and other support positions, according to a WMATA news release.

The agreement includes no general wage increase or cost-of-living adjustment in the first year of the contract, in line with other WMATA nonrepresented staff. It includes a 3% general increase in 2025 and 2026, and a 3.5% increase in 2027. For years two through four, the contract includes cost-of-living adjustments, but caps total increases, including the general wage increase, at 5%.

The agreement also includes fatigue management safety protocols that limit the hours of continuous work to make sure workers are rested.

"This new contract enhances system safety and improves cost efficiency and predictability for WMATA and our regional funding partners while continuing to support our valued employees." said WMATA Board Finance and Capital Committee Chair Matt Letourneau.

The agreement runs from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.