Day 16: ATU Transdev strike updates

Today marks 16 days of strike for ATU Local 689 Metrobus workers employed by Transdev at WMATA's Cinder Bed Road garage. Some updates from ATU:

• Message of the Day: While riders and workers suffer, WMATA is protecting Transdev. WMATA has bailed out Transdev to the tune of more than $1 million since the strike began by refusing to penalize the company for its missed revenue hours.
• It’s been six days since Transdev abandoned bargaining. They continue to refuse new dates.
• Today, WMATA GM Paul Wiedefeld lied to the press, saying “both sides are at the table.” He also acknowledged that WMATA is not issuing any financial penalties to Transdev for its failure to deliver service for the past sixteen days. Insult to injury: he also says they are moving forward with privatization of the Silver Line extension to Dulles!
• On Wednesday, nearly 500 people showed up to rally with the strikers at WMATA HQ. See video and photos here. Wiedefeld was caught sneaking out the back.
• Rider groups are lining up to hold WMATA accountable. Share this statement from ACT in Maryland and this from WMATA’s own Riders Advisory Council.
• The picket line is expanding to confront scab training at the nearby Embassy Suites on Loisdale road, and we are working to set up a weekly picket at WMATA HQ.
• Connector workers are expected to take a strike authorization vote this Saturday, in preparation for their contract expiration on Nov. 30.
• ATU is mobilizing its Transdev Joint Industry Council, activating Local Unions with Transdev bargaining units from Louisiana to California to Maryland.
• We are developing an updated rider leaflet and will have these ready for pick up and distribution on Monday morning.
  
  

Here’s how you can help:

• Keep coming down to the Cinder Bed picket line: https://www.facebook.com/events/2310195405775260/. If you attend the picket, please follow any instructions from our picket captains, Michelle and Niya.
• Food! We could use some extra hands in meal prep. Here’s an easy form to sign up: bit.ly/cinderbedmeals
• Donate to the strike fund at bit.ly/cinderbedstrike, and please send to your networks.
• You can also donate goods directly. The top need at the moment is firewood for the morning shift burn barrel!
• Pick up some rider or rally leaflets from an ATU organizer and hit your transit stop in the morning or after work. Email [email protected] or [email protected] to request some.
• If you have a skill or service to contribute, from union trainers to nail technicians to caterers, let me know.
• If you have a group willing to engage in small, targeted direct actions, email me. We’ll refer you to local orgs organizing independent actions.
• Download and print this sign then take a photo of yourself, your family, neighbors, or fellow union members and tag @wmata on Twitter and @metroforward on Facebook with words of support for the strikers. Remember to tag @atulocal689 on Twitter or @atulocal689group on Facebook so we can repost.

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