​Virginia Bus Operators with PRTC Go Out on Strike

Omniride Bus operators that work for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission walked out on strike on Thursday, August 1st. OmniRide is managed by the private contractor First Transit. The workers at OmniRide are members of the union AFSCME. The union rejected the offer by the company which simply extended the existing contract but didn’t meet any of their new demands for livable wages and respect. “We enjoy what we do,” said one AFSCME member. “We’ve been doing this for years. I’ve been here for 20 years working for this company, but they cannot seem to come to the level of appreciation for the service that we’re providing.” OmniRide moves over 7,000 trips per day from Prince William County into DC. This work stoppage marks another blow against private transportation companies in the region that have tried to drive down salaries and working conditions. ATU Local 689 stands with these workers in their fight because we’re in this together. The very conditions that PRTC workers are fighting against are the same conditions that WMATA wants Local 689 members to work under.
- ATU 689 News

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