Local Transit Union President Says Safety For Workers, Riders Within Reach

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, beleaguered by deadly accidents in recent years, can be transformed into a safely run system, says the head of the Metro worker’s union. “Effective oversight, dedicated funding and institutional accountability will restore the confidence of riders, workers and taxpayers who support the ailing system,” says ATU Local 689 President Jackie Jeter, recently appointed to a 20-member federal board responsible for studying and making recommendations to alleviate some of the challenges facing the nation’s second busiest rail system and other mass transit operations across the country. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood last week announced that the Transit Rail Advisory Committee for Safety (TRACS) is aimed at improving federal oversight and implementing strategies to keep millions of American transit workers and riders safe. “This appointment is an honor on behalf of my members and the public that supports Metro,” noted Jeter, a former rail operator who has led ATU Local 689 since 2007. “My participation provides an opportunity to bring the perspective and expertise of frontline workers to help solve the problems plaguing Metro. There are no easy solutions, but with honest dialogue and a commitment to positive change, the world class system that Metro is destined to be is within our reach.” Metro has endured funding cuts, budget deficits and several fatal accidents including last year’s deadly Red Line crash that killed nine people. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which lacks enforcement power over WMATA, has issued several recommendations to improve Metro safety that have not been implemented. The TRACS panel -- composed of labor and industry representatives -- include three other Washington area members including James Dougherty of WMATA; William Grizard of American Public Transportation Association; and Rick Inclima of the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division.