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ATU Local 689

@atulocal689.bsky.social
123 followers 122 following 89 posts

Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 689 represents more than 15,000 active and retired transit workers throughout DC, Northern Virginia, and Southern Maryland. www.atulocal689.org

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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Not all bus stops are created equal...
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
WMATA adjusts Bus Operator fare quotation policy in collaboration with Local 689
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Bus Operators deserve a safe workplace. A Bus Operator quoting the fare (buses already have pre-recorded announcements and signs btw) leads to disputes, which can result in violence. There was no good reason to reverse a 10-year old policy. www.afro.com/washington-d...
afro.com
Metro union challenges fare-quoting policy after driver assa...
ATU Local 689 wants WMATA to reverse its May fare-quoting rule, citing an Aug. 1 assault; WMATA says operator assaults fell 22% in FY 2026.
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Union Jobs @unionjobs.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
The Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 689 seeks an Office Assistant III to be based in Forestville, MD. Details can be found at: www.unionjobs.com/listing/3119... #1u #UnionStrong @atulocal689.bsky.social @atucomms.bsky.social
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DC Bike Walk Bus PAC @dcbikewalkbuspac.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Join us for a Victory Bike Ride on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 2–4 PM! We’ll ride from Brookland to Metrobar to celebrate the 2026 primary election victories & the transportation advocates who helped make them possible! @ggwash.org @atulocal689.bsky.social www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-transpo...
Join us for a Victory Bike Ride on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 2–4 PM! 

We’ll ride from Brookland to Metrobar to celebrate the 2026 primary election victories & the transportation advocates who helped make them possible. All are welcome!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dc-transportation-post-primary-victory-bike-ride-tickets-1996846100440?aff=oddtdtcreator
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Geoffrey Hatchard @imgoph.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
When you agree with your union on probably 90% of things, but you still choose to snipe at them in a press release. That’s not smart, that’s childish (cc: @atulocal689.bsky.social) (Also, is safety now only about policing? I thought maintenance was part of it, but I guess I was wrong.)
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All In for DC: A Just Recovery Campaign @justrecoverydc.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Corporations and billionaires are choosing profits over democracy. This push from Doordash is just the latest overstep. Join us in the fight to protect our city from outside influences who are attempting to shape our local tax code: actionnetwork.org/petitions/dc...
An image showing two megaphones. Above the megaphones text reading "Corporations and billionaires are choosing profits over democracy" below them is text reading "Join us in the fight to protect our city"
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Congratulations to ATU Local 689 members at LAZ Parking for ratifying a strong union contract! #ATU689FairContracts
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Congratulations to the newest graduates of the Fairfax Connector Maintenance Apprenticeship program!
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Yesterday, the Union protested outside of the WMATA Board meeting. We're fighting and standing up for our members and for safety. Safety over service, not the other way around.
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
They didn't really listen to us in close-door meetings, they didnt't really listen when we've spoken up during Board meetings, so now we take our message to the streets! Stand with your transit workers for a Safety First Rally tomorrow!
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Congratulations to our ATU members at Loudoun County Transit. Yesterday they ratified a strong union contract! #ATU689FairContracts
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Today is the Primary Election Day in Maryland. ATU Local 689 is proud to support these candidates who will fight for transit and workers!
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
A replacement for Streetcar needs to be transit and riders-focused first! ggwash.org/view/97026/x...
ggwash.org
After the streetcar, four principles for H St & Benning Rd’s transit future
East-west connections are DC’s bugbear, whatever mode of travel you’re using. But one bus project could change that.
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Today is DC Primary Day and polls are open till 8pm. Local 689 supports these candidates and encourages you to stand with transit workers!
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Tomorrow, join ATU 689 for our G.O.T.V. canvass in support of our endorsed DC candidates!
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
ATU 689 will have a rally calling out WMATA changing safety policies. Whether its forcing bus operators to quote the fare, which increases risk for operator assaults, or rolling back roadway worker protections (rwp), WMATA is ignoring its own data and putting workers and riders at risk.
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
According to an email obtained by the Union from WMATA senior leadership, staff conducting fare awareness outreach will be paired with MTPD officers - while the majority of bus operators drive their routes without an officer on the bus. Hey @wmatagm.bsky.social , why the double standard?
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
This morning, Local 689 showed up to protest WMATA's @wmata.com press conference about their fare enforcement outreach. The data is clear: when bus operators quote the fare, it leads to fare disputes which often results in attacks against operators.
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
Join us tomorrow for ATU Local 689's latest documentary, "We Fought For What We Have". Learn from the workers themselves how we relearned our union's history as an organizing, fighting, and striking union. Free admission and you can reserve your spot here: www.eventbrite.com/e/we-fought-...
eventbrite.com
WE FOUGHT FOR WHAT WE HAVE: Screening and Panel Q&A Event
Join us to watch a special ATU 689 documentary and engage with Striking Transit Workers in a Q&A moderated by Ginny Diamond
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laborheritage.bsky.social @laborheritage.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
ATU Documentary Wins Telly Gold The producers of the @atulocal689.bsky.social Documentary We Fought For What We Have have been honored with a gold Telly in the newly-created “Union or Trade Organization” category. Find out more: tinyurl.com/569fm3eh #Movie #Film #TransitWorkers
tinyurl.com
ATU Documentary Wins Telly Gold - Labor Heritage Foundation
The producers of the ATU Local 689 Documentary We Fought For What We Have have been honored with a gold Telly Award in the newly-created “Union or Trade Organization” category. The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens. Founded in 1979 to honor local,
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Geoffrey Hatchard @imgoph.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
Really surprised this @atulocal689.bsky.social post has zero interaction a day later. I added alt text (across two images because this is a LOT of text) for accessibility. I’m just going to keep saying the same thing I always do. Make the status quo law, and make all buses free at the point of use.
(1 of 2 - see second image for the rest of the text)

Union Condemns WMATA GM Randy Clarke For Reversing Bus Operator Safety Policy In Place for Nearly A Decade and Increasing
Risk of Assaults

Today, ATU Local 689 condemned the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority General Manager Randy Clarke for his despicable and callous decision to force bus operators to quote the bus fare at all passengers, including fare evaders, reversing a long-standing policy that has drastically reduced bus operator assaults.
In place since 2017, the current policy is supported by data and has been reinforced by WMATA's 'Safety Risk Reduction Plan' from last year. Fare disputes are one of the largest causes of operator assaults, something that WMATA routinely acknowledges. Once again, Randy Clarke disregards the facts and turns a blind eye to the safety risks and workers' concerns.

Through the Joint Labor Management Safety Committee (JLMSC), the Union and
WMATA have been partnering to develop specific action, including signage and prerecorded messages to provide fare information. Instead of consulting with the Union through the JLMSC or meetings with leadership to discuss the possible policy change, WMATA under Randy Clarke has unilaterally imposed a policy that will immediately put bus operators and passengers in greater danger. Randy Clarke is even reversing his own publicly stated position.

While on the Politics Hour, hosted by Kojo Nnamdi on WAMU in October 2024, Randy Clarke replied to a question about the current policy of bus operators not quoting the fare by saying:(2 of 2)

"..So bus operators and this would be industry standard. Bus operators do not engage people for fare evasion. It is not worth the potential physical harm that could come to one of my staff members. And that is the ultimate thing we care about is the safety of everyone on the system. So if someone is causing a big problem we will obviously quickly get a supervisor or transit police or local police depending on the severity to go intercede in that situation, but when it comes to fares we want to keep our employees safe and the rest of the people on the bus safe."

A few days ago, WMATA provided the Union with a copy of the policy, which is slated to go into effect May 24, 2026, ahead of its distribution to workers. The Union fully intends to continue to protest the new outrageous and unsafe policy. ATU Local 689 will use all of its contractual rights to fight for workers' safety and have already filed a grievance. Yesterday, the Union sent a letter to members of the WMATA Board of Directors urging them to stop the reckless policy decision.

Randy Clarke and WMATA must immediately withdraw the new policy and demonstrate that they actually care about worker safety. Our member's safety is more important than attempting to collect $2.25 from a fare evader. Words are cheap - but actions are louder.
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
Today, the issued a press release condemning @wmatagm.bsky.social and @wmata.com for recklessly and dangerously reversing a policy that lowers the risk of bus operator assaults.
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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Thank you so much to the team at Engine Company 11 for the tour yesterday! 🚒 I’m honored to be endorsed by @dcfirefighters.bsky.social in the Ward 1 Council race and will fight to ensure that firefighters and emergency medical workers have the wages, working conditions and healthcare they deserve.
Photo of Aparna inside a fire truckPhoto of Aparna talking to firefightersPhoto of the fire engine coming out of the stationGroup photo of Aparna with the firefighters standing in front of the fire engine
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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
The election is soon! Are you registered to vote? 🗳️ May 26 is the deadline to register online or as a Dem (unless you're registering for the first time)! Otherwise, same day voter registration will be available. Learn more & register: dcboe.org/FAQS/Voter-R...
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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
Join us at Porchfest in Adams Morgan this weekend!! We’ll be at 1800 California St NW on Saturday, stop by to say hi, listen to some great music, meet Aparna or learn more about the campaign! Aparna will be there from at least 3-4!
Graphic that says "Aparna Hype House @ Adams Morgan Porchfest" Saturday May 2, 2:00-5:00 pm, Porch #34, 1800 California Street NW, with a graphic of music notes and apartment buildings
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Happy International Workers' Day! Today for us, not billionaires and greedy corporations.
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AFL-CIO @aflcio.org · 28/04/2026
On Workers Memorial Day, America’s unions mourn the workers who have lost their lives or been injured or made ill on the job. Every worker should be able to go home after their shift safe and healthy, and we’ll keep fighting like hell to make that a reality for every worker.
Hold the line for safe jobs. Workers Memorial Day | April 28 | AFL-CIO
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Local 689 is thrilled to support these candidates who are champions for working families and public transit in MoCo!
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The NewsGuild-CWA @newsguild.org · 27/04/2026
Today, workers at Hachette Book Group launched the largest unionization campaign in trade publisher history! Hundreds of employees signed unions cards in support of forming a union at HBC. Workers now join @wbng.org and fight for recognition. newsguild.org/hachette-boo...
newsguild.org
Hachette Book Group employees announce largest unionization campaign in trade publisher history with NewsGuild | The NewsGuild - TNG-CWA
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Hamilton Nolan @hamiltonnolan.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
I published my book about the labor movement with Hachette so I am very excited to see the announcement that Hachette workers are unionizing. Publishing should be a union industry. Learn more and support them here: hachetteworkers.com
hachetteworkers.com
HWC - Hachette Workers Coalition
The union of workers at Hachette Book Group are uniting for a more sustainable workplace.
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Major DC unions today released the following open letter to Kenyan McDuffie today calling on him to retract and apologize for his statement characterizing D.C. workers as “dark money from outside interest groups.”
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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
FOUR different canvass launches, including a transit appreciation canvass with @atulocal689.bsky.social & @dcbikewalkbuspac.bsky.social means over 3,000 doors knocked! 🚌💖 There are just 50 days left to join us and fight for a Ward 1 for all: mobilize.us/aparnafordc/
Photo of a group of about 30 people, with many wearing ATU gear. Some people are holding up Aparna for DC signs and some people are holding Bike Walk Bus PAC signsPhoto of Aparna and 9 others smiling at the camera with some Aparna for DC signsPhoto of a group of 15 people standing in Adams Morgan and holding up Aparna for DC signsPhoto of a group of 15 people standing in Adams Morgan and holding up Aparna for DC signs
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
Local 689 is thrilled to support these candidates who are champions for working families and public transit in PG County!
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Local 689 is thrilled to support these candidates who are champions for working families and public transit in DC!
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
ATU Local 689 is thrilled to endorse Will Jawando for MoCo Executive. Will is a true fighter for working families and the type of public servant we need as County Executive!
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
ATU Local 689 is thrilled to support Robert White for DC Delegate to Congress. Robert has been a fighter for working families and transit workers on DC Council. He's ready to continue his fight in Congress!
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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Making it easier and more affordable to live in DC means building more housing; strengthening tenant protections; improving transit, bike, and pedestrian infrastructure, and revitalizing public spaces. 🏠🚌⛲ I'm THRILLED to be the #1 choice of @ggwash.org to do all that.
Photo of Aparna in front of a crowd, with Greater Greater Washington's logo that says "The Washington DC region is great and it can be greater", and a banner that reads "Endorses Aparna!"
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
ATU Local 689 is thrilled to endorse Wanika Fisher for Prince George's County State's Attorney. Wanika has stood with the Union and has fought for us when we needed her. Wanika is the fighter we need as State's Attorney!
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Local 689 is thrilled to endorse Wala Blegay for Congress! A daughter of a 689 member, Wala is a champion for working families everyday as a pro-worker labor attorney. She's the type of public servant we need in Congress.
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Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO @ttdaflcio.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Made our way downtown for one last ride on the DC Street Car. We are grateful to our city's transit workers from @atulocal689.bsky.social & streetcar passengers for 10 incredible years of service. We'll miss you!
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Aparna Raj @aparnafordc.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Today is Transit Employee Appreciation Day. 🚌🚍🚊 I have long stood with transit workers and I will always fight alongside workers for safety, respect, and dignified pay. So many of us rely on transit workers, and they deserve our appreciation today and every day. @atulocal689.bsky.social
Photo of a crowd of ATU members and community members standing outside the Wilson Building for a rally for Circulator workers
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
The TCA is a generational bill that will help to refocus Maryland's approach to major transportation projects and the environment. One chamber passed, one to go!
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Alex Koma @alexkoma.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
New: DC is illegally sitting on $1.6 million meant to help laid off Circulator bus drivers, according to a new lawsuit. @atulocal689.bsky.social is trying to force the city to comply with a law ordering DC to use the proceeds of Circulator bus sales to help ex-employees: wamu.org/story/26/03/...
wamu.org
A new lawsuit claims D.C. is withholding money meant to help laid-off Circulator bus drivers
The city's transit workers' union alleges D.C. officials have pocketed $1.6 million generated from the sale of Circulator buses following the service's cancellation, rather than following a law direct...
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
For our very first endorsement in the 2026 Congressional elections, we are beyond excited to announce our support for @helmerva.bsky.social
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Local 689 stands in lockstep with @fairbudgetdc.bsky.social Together, we're fighting to ensure that DC residents get what they deserve - a racially just and equitable budget. #WeGotUsDC
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Next week, Local 689 will join hundreds of our fellow Union members to rally in support of workers at Annapolis. We hope to see you there!
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Dan Helmer @helmerva.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Proud to share that we have been endorsed by @atulocal689.bsky.social - our second union endorsement. I’ll always support the labor movement, in VA and across the country
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ATU Local 689 @atulocal689.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
📢 689 and allies! 📢 Due to the weather forecast, we are deciding to postpone our Monday Maryland Lobby Day. Wednesday is still planned to go forward. Meet on Wednesday at 7 School St, in Annapolis! Have questions? Email us today at info@atulocal689.org.
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Amalgamated Transit Union @atucomms.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
A friend of the ATU, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., was a champion of labor unions and a strong advocate for affordable public transit for all. From marching alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to founding the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, www.nbcnews.com/news/obituar...
nbcnews.com
Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights icon, dies at 84
“Our father was a servant leader — not only to our family, but to the oppressed, the voiceless, and the overlooked around the world,” the Jackson family said in a statement Tuesday.
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