Labor in the News: Keeping Transit Public in DC

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Labor in the News: Keeping Transit Public in DC(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)The fight to stop the privatization of public transit is gaining steam. Last week ABC Channel 7 reported on the District government’s proposed expansion of the Circulator -- a private bus service in DC -- and the Department of Transportation’s interest in privatizing local bus routes. The Metro Council pledged to support (Transit Workers Fight to "Keep the 'Public' in 'Public Transit'" UC 4/17/2013) ATU Local 689 in their fight against this privatization. “Privatization of public transit in DC could cost hundreds of members their jobs and worsen the bus service throughout the District” says DC JwJ organizer Pedro Cruz. Cruz and Local 689 leaders are attending community and labor meetings to garner local support against the privatization plans. Tonight Local 689 President Jackie Jeter will be joined by AFGE’s Bill Fletcher and Gaynell Nixon of the Injured Worker Advocates for a Panel on Privatization where they will discuss DDOT’s proposal and previous local and national attempts at privatization. Stay tuned for more updates as the public transit campaign develops. - photo: ATU 689 officers Earl T. Beatty (left) and Esker Bilger Jr. attend local meeting of APWU of Southern Maryland and the Nation’s Capital to talk about their campaign ; photo by Pedro Cruz

 

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