Alexandria DASH operators vote unanimously to approve contract

DASH bus operators and members of Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 689 (ATU Local 689) last week voted to approve their contract with Alexandria’s DASH transit company. The vote was unanimous with 111 DASH Operators voting in favor of the contract. Voting was conducted by secret ballot and had 79% turnout. This is the first time in its 35-year history that DASH workers will have a union contract.
The newly approved contract will extend through a four-year term and, says the union, "includes impressive pay increases." DASH operators will now be able to reach top pay of $34.72 per hour after only five years of service. The contract also includes pay increases for 2020, 2021, and 2022. The contract provides workers with sick leave, vacation time, and holiday pay. The contract covers all full-time and regular part-time employees, representing around 130 workers. The contract will go into effect on July 1st, but pay increases are going into effect immediately on May 26th.