Transit Union Leader Seeks to Inspire Young Workers

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Urging young people to reach higher and pursue their goals, Jackie Jeter, President of ATU Local 689, recently challenged students in the Covenant House job readiness program to “always try for something better.”  As part of a presentation on career opportunities with Metro, Jeter (standing at left and below meeting one-on-one with a student) described her own rise through the ranks from her start as a bus driver, moving up to a train operator and, ultimately, to her current position representing thousands of workers in the Metro system as President of Local 689. Jeter emphasized the importance of “having more than a job,” noting that having a career in a unionized industry can provide a living wage. She encouraged students to actively apply to get their foot in the door as a first step. “It’s all possible.  It’s what you want to do...” she told the students. Jeter gave the students a primer on the many jobs and workers it takes to make Metro run, provided insight on what it takes to be successful at Metro, and the opportunities to gain skills and training that can provide workers with a rewarding career with advancement potential. Jeter’s presentation was in support of the work of the Community Services Agency, which is partnering with Covenant House to provide at-risk youth with information on career opportunities. - report/photos by Yvette DeLaCruz