FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) - Workers of Virginia’s largest transit system went on strike early Thursday after contract negotiations faltered between the union and the private contractor that runs the service.
Thousands of Northern Virginia bus riders faced limited service as Fairfax Connector workers - part of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1764 - joined the picket lines, news outlets reported.
The strike affected about 90 routes carrying an average of 30,000 weekday riders. Most routes won’t run but others will operate on a Sunday schedule.
A collective bargaining agreement expired Nov. 30 between the union and Transdev, the private contractor and a multinational transit company that Fairfax County and Metrobus contracted. Contract talks had stalled on Wednesday.
“We held off as long as we could, but Transdev made clear at negotiations today that they would rather see service disrupted than their unfair labor practices ended,” Union President John Costa said in a statement Wednesday night. “While we remain committed to negotiating with Transdev to reach a fair and just contract, workers cannot be asked to tolerate an escalating campaign of union-busting in the meantime.”
Connector workers join nearly 130 Metrobus employees who have been on strike since late October, shuttering 15 routes and limiting three others and affecting about 8,500 weekday riders. Metrobus is also run by Transdev and both groups are in the same union.
Both groups said they are seeking better raises and benefits.
Transdev said they were disappointed in Connector’s strike.
It’s unclear when the strike may end, but the union and Transdev scheduled more talks for Thursday.
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