Fairfax Connector Strike To End After Tentative Agreement

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — The nearly two-week strike of Fairfax Connector workers will come to an end after the bus system's operator and union reached a tentative agreement Tuesday.

Fairfax Connector service will remain suspended Thursday but resume Friday, according to Fairfax County government.

ATU Local 689, the union representing Fairfax Connector workers, had been meeting with Transdev several times during the strike to work on an agreement. The strike began Feb. 22 as workers have been working under a contract that expired in December 2023. Contract negotiations between the union and Transdev started in October 2023 before workers decided to strike.

Fairfax County government was not a party in the negotiations between Transdev and the union.

"We’re pleased that Fairfax Connector service is expected to resume service for the system’s 26,000 customers, after (ATU) Local 689 members ratified a contract agreement between the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 and Transdev," said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay. "Last week I requested the assistance of a federal mediator to help resolve the impasse between Transdev and the ATU. The mutually agreeable solution that resulted from this effort not only respects the exemplary work of the system's drivers and mechanics but ensures that we are moving forward in a fiscally responsible and sustainable manner that benefits our residents."

According to the union, the tentative agreement includes priorities like guaranteed retirement security, competitive wages for bus drivers and mechanics, enhancement of the 40-hour guarantee and more. ATU Local 689 said Fairfax Connector members will vote on ratifying the tentative agreement Wednesday.