FAIRFAX, Va. — The Fairfax Connector employees and Union have reached an agreement and services are expected to resume this Friday.
The announcement was made on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. after a 15-day strike among Fairfax Connector employees. Drivers and mechanics from the Local 689 group stood before the contractor, Transdev, who’s responsible for the employee contracts, and demanded better labor practices and competitive wages.
"We’re pleased that Fairfax Connector service is expected to resume soon for the system’s 26,000 customers, on a contract agreement between the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 and Transdev.” Chairman Jeffery C. McKay said in a statement. The mutually agreeable solution that resulted from this effort not only respects the exemplary work of the system's drivers and mechanics but ensures that we are moving forward in a fiscally responsible and sustainable manner that benefits our residents."
On February 22, more than 650 bus operators and maintenance workers walked off the job, after months of negotiations. The new agreement offers employees a new contract that includes, guaranteed retirement security for members, competitive wages for bus operators and mechanics, and enhances the 40-hour guarantee.
Local 689 President/Business Agent Ray Jackson said in a statement, “This strike showed that our members are willing to lay it all on the line for dignity and justice. I want to thank them for their fortitude and for all our allies for coming out and standing in solidarity with us. This is proof that when working people fight, we win. Anyone who thinks otherwise should take notice.”
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