The threat of privatization is raising its ugly head again
at Metro. The DC government is
considering turning over to the Circulator the local runs in DC that Metro
currently operates.
If this plan is fully implemented, Local 689 could lose
approximately 175 bus driving jobs over the next couple of years. The threat of privatization is real and must
be fought.
In the late 1990’s, the local governments and WMATA
threatened to privatize the entire Metrobus system. Local 689 and many riders fought back and as
a result of this struggle and the fact that at the time there were no
contractors who could handle the job, they backed down part way.
A regional Mobility Panel was established to resolve the
issue. In its final report the Panel
broke Metrobus lines into two types, regional and local. The regional lines were to continue to be
operated by Metro, but the local lines could be turned over to private
contractors by 2003. Except in DC, this plan was carried out.
In Local 689, there was a disagreement as to how to fight
this. The Allen leadership advocated
concessions to save jobs. One EB member
and many rank and file members advocated no concessions and a more militant
fight. The Allen leadership won
out. The starting salaries for bus
drivers were reduced, an eight year progression to the base pay was
established, and limits were placed on dental insurance for all and health
benefits for new employees. A New Service Agreement which made even more
concessions was negotiated.
The jobs that were gained (PRTC) or saved did not last
long. The private contractors lowered
their wages even more, and we lost the PRTC service, and the local runs in the
suburbs continued to be privatized.
Fast forward to 2013, and it is like the late 90’s over
again. The difference is that the
contractors are now multi-national corporations and thus a bigger threat than
before. Metro is of course demanding
concessions in our contract so that they can protect our jobs.
As a union we are faced with the same choices that we had 15
years ago, step up the struggle or make concessions.
The struggle will be more difficult this time because we
made concessions in the past, the contractors are more powerful, we are a
smaller percentage of the mass transit picture in the region, and the labor
movement in general is weaker.
We can turn this around.
It means reaching out to the riding public and other unions in mass
transit as well as unions in general to tell the bosses that we will shut this
region down if privatization is not stopped.
Take the offensive! One wage and benefit package for all
transit workers in the region. If we want other workers to support our fight we
must support them. Fight austerity and
deportations! Fight racism and mass
incarceration!
