Worker Strike Shuts Down Fairfax Connector Bus System

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Fairfax Connector workers are on strike Thursday, shutting down the bus service as contract negotiations continue with Fairfax Connector's contractor Transdev. Service remains suspended Friday into the weekend.

Fairfax Connector service was suspended at 9 a.m. Thursday due to the strike by the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689, which represents bus drivers and mechanics.

Fairfax County government said in a statement it was not involved in any labor negotiations between Transdev and the union.

"We encourage our users to please use alternative methods of travel. We apologize for any inconvenience," the county government shared.

The county recommends alternate transportation like carpooling, Metrobus, Metrorail, Virginia Express, biking, walking or teleworking. Fairfax County has park-and-ride facilities at various locations.

ATU Local 689 said workers have been working under a contract that expired in December 2023. Contract negotiations between the union and Transdev started in October 2023. The union says it is seeking better retirement security, more sick days, competitive wages for bus operators and mechanics with regional transit companies and balanced labor-management rights. Trasdev's latest contract proposal included wage increases that the union supports but didn't address the union's other priorities.

County government said in a Friday afternoon update that Transdev is negotiating a new contract with ATU Local 689.

According to the ATU Local 689, a strike could not be avoided "because of Transdev’s unfair labor practices and regressive bargaining, as well as Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay’s refusal to weigh in." The union says it remains committed to reaching a tentative agreement and wants to continue meeting with Transdev while on strike.

McKay responded to the strike in a statement, saying, "To be clear, the County is not a party to these negotiations and it would be inappropriate for me to interfere. I have been in communication with the County Executive and his team throughout this process and was aware of the impasse. I was not, however, aware that a strike would occur which has left the almost 26,000 daily users of the Connector without the service they rely on."

The chairman said he supports the fair treatment and compensation for Fairfax Connector drivers and the union's right to negotiate on workers' behalf.

"My hope is that the union and Transdev can reach agreement on a contract that is in line with similar transit services in our neighboring jurisdictions and that respects the exemplary work of drivers and mechanics," McKay said. "Additionally, while transit service is essential, the cost is ultimately borne by our residents and must also be considered in these negotiations. Connector service needs to be sustainable not just now but in the future."