Some Metrobus workers in Northern Virginia who have been on strike for two weeks brought their fight to D.C. Wednesday.
Employees of a private company called Transdev, which Metro hires to operate the Cinder Bed Bus Garage in Lorton, are calling on Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld to step in. They are asking Metro to hire them directly or force Transdev to negotiate.
Dozens of workers gathered at Metro headquarters around noon, chanting "shut it down."
Wages and health insurance are among top concerns. Workers say they are paid significantly less than their counterparts who are employed by Metro. They also say Transdev charges them a $6,000 deductible for health insurance, making it challenging for them to save for retirement.
This strike is affecting thousands of people in Northern Virginia who rely on bus routes 17, 18 and 29. In some cases, commute times have more than doubled.
As the strike heads into day 14 on Wednesday, neither side is budging.
