The union that represents Fairfax Connector bus operators will vote Saturday on a labor contract that could end three months of contentious negotiations that included a strike and the threat of a second one.þAmalgamated Transit Union Local 1764 represents more than 600 Connector workers. The contract includes improved health-care benefits and “substantial” wage increases, union leaders said.þþ“We are happy to report that we have reached a tentative agreement with Transdev that recognizes the hard work and commitment of our more than 600 bus drivers and maintenance workers at Fairfax Connector,” ATU International President John Costa said in a statement. “I am proud of these workers and the solidarity, resolve and unity that they have shown during their December strike and the last few months, which was critical to securing the fair and just contract that they deserve.”þþThe agreement was forged less than a week after the union notified Transdev, the multinational transit company that runs the service under contract for Fairfax, that it could strike again amid an impasse.þThe previous collective bargaining agreement expired Nov. 30. Unable to come to an agreement, Fairfax Connector bus operators went on strike Dec. 5, shutting down most of the 91 routes of Virginia’s largest bus service, handling an average of 30,000 passengers weekdays. The work stoppage coincided with the strike of nearly 130 employees at a Metrobus garage, also run by Transdev, impacting much of Northern Virginia.þFairfax County elected officials intervened, pledging to help both sides in talks, and union members called the strike off Dec. 8.
Source: Washington Post
