“We still have items to negotiate, but our riders come first and foremost for us," said IP Costa. "We are going back to work because their support and that of elected officials and allies have helped us make significant advances at the table."
Their volunteer members collected 15,725 kilos of toys and goods and over $14,500. There were 8 Santa-driven buses delivering toys, food and other donations to day care centers, schools and businesses.
A strike by hundreds of Fairfax Connector workers, impacting the commutes of an estimated 30,000 Northern Virginia bus riders, illustrates the growing fight over the privatization of public services.
"It's time for Transdev to stop these unfair labor practices and give these workers the fair contract they deserve. Or maybe it’s time for Fairfax County to fire Transdev,” said ATU International President John Costa
“We held off as long as we could, but Transdev made clear at negotiations today that they would rather see service disrupted than their unfair labor practices ended,” said ATU International President John Costa.
Local 113 says TTC plans to eliminate subway guards presents a significant safety risk to commuters, as it represents “fewer trained workers on each train who can assist and direct riders to safety during emergencies.”
The contract between Local 1764 and Fairfax County bus contractor Transdev expired on Saturday. Negotiations start again on Wednesday, but the 600 union members are still threatening a strike that could affect about 90 routes.
