Transit Workers Field Questions from Riders

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Over 100 took advantage of the opportunity to talk directly to union leaders and members at Monday night’s ATU 689 Town Hall meeting. Questions “ran the gamut from farecard issues and why busses are late, to the perception that some bus operators are rude,” Local 689 Political & Legislative Director Lateefah Williams told Union City. “Others expressed positive sentiments about our members,” Williams added. “One woman said that she appreciates the professional job that our members do and she cried with us when our member was killed in the Metro crash two years ago.” The Town Hall, held at the MLK Library in the District, was “a chance to hear directly from the public and for them to hear from union members,” said Williams. One bus operator mentioned instances where bus operators have been assaulted – three in the last few weeks alone – “which a lot of the audience did not know about.” Local 689 leadership felt the Town Hall “was a good first step,” said Williams, and plans to hold another, next time in Maryland. Click here for Local 689’s recap of the Town Hall, and links to an album of photos and 689 President Jackie Jeter’s Washington Post online chat with riders. Photo courtesy ATU 689.