WIN partnered with Center for Community Change to create a video that highlights the damages of privatization and what's at stake for DC Circulator workers. DDOT contracts out its hiring and management of the Circulator to the private multinational corporation, First Transit. Not only are circulator workers paid less for their hard work, but an audit revealed that First Transit had blatantly ignored the DC Paid Sick Leave Act, and even forced workers to violate District safety standards by taking out buses that did not pass pre-trip safety inspections. In fact, a 2015 safety audit of the DC Circulator found only 2, of the 42 buses inspected, fit to drive.
In 2016, ATU Local 1764 Circulator workers, Metro IAF, & WIN leaders organized for, fought, and won a new 3-year contract to increase maximum wages, triple First Transit’s contributions to employee 401(k) plans, and include language that will ensure drivers don’t have to operate buses that do not meet safety standards. Now the DC Government is putting the contract out to bid again, and more private companies whose interest is profit will compete to provide the DC Circulator service.
Watch the Video: WIN and ATU Leaders at the DC City Council talking to Councilmembers about Privatization of the Circulator