After prolonged talks with Keolis, workers win major improvements in wages, benefits, and working conditions
Leesburg, VA - After nearly four years of off-and-on contract negotiations, Loudoun County Transit workers finally reached an agreement on a new contract with county contractor, Keolis. Yesterday, workers ratified the agreement with 92% voting to approve. Despite the contractor’s tactics, ATU Local 689, partnering with the ATU International, remained steadfast in their commitment to ensuring that Loudoun County Transit workers’ rights to bargain were upheld.
“From the very beginning, we had to fight tooth and nail to get our Loudoun County Transit members a fair shot,” explained ATU Local 689 President Raymond Jackson. “What we have done here is historic– from having to battle just to be recognized to finally getting a contract that treats workers with the dignity and respect they have earned. We are very proud today.”
ATU Local 689 began contract negotiations with Keolis in April 2021 when the French-based company took over the contract to operate the county’s transit system. Right out of the gate, Keolis forced workers to take a vote to recertify the Union as their legal representative, refused to recognize the terms of the existing union contract, and reduced working standards. Throughout this time, Keolis consistently violated federal law and good-faith bargaining standards: the National Labor Relations Board’s DC Regional Office has found merit to 15 separate unfair labor practice charges against Keolis in Loudoun County to date. This resulted in a 2023 strike, which lasted 66 days. Despite it all, ATU was able to secure a life-changing contract with major wins for our membership.
The new agreement includes major improvements, especially in wages, retirement, sick leave, and vacation. The contract has a path towards retirement security for workers, wage increases addressing the immediate needs of members, and 5 fully paid sick days per year.
“Congratulations to the Loudoun County Transit workers for overcoming incredible odds to secure a strong Union contract. They withstood Keolis’ relentless bullying at the bargaining table and resisted underhanded tactics aimed at undermining their Union,” said International ATU President John Costa. “Our Loudoun County members are an inspiration to workers everywhere and demonstrated that together, united, we will never be defeated.”