Metro Workers OK New Contract

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

By a nearly 3-1 margin, Metro workers represented by ATU 689 last week ratified a new 4-year contract.  The new deal calls for an 11.4%  pay raise over the next four years, while Metro workers will pay into their pensions for the first time in 30 years. The Local 689 members will receive a 3% raise in 2013, 4% in 2014 and another 4% in 2015. Local 689 president Jackie Jeter thanked the local’s members “who came together in solidarity to make this happen. Your vote for the contract is a vote for our future!” The agreement, unanimously approved by WMATA’s board of directors last Friday, stands in contrast to the previous round of contract negotiations, in which Local 689 had to battle for implementation of the 9% increase awarded in arbitration.