Bringing Contracted Commuter Service In-House to CT

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Local 1576, 

Yesterday afternoon a notice to our members at Community Transit and Transdev Everett was sent out by CT CEO Ric Ilgenfritz, outlining the decision Community Transit has made to bring the contracted commuter service currently operated by Transdev in-house by the expiration of the revenue agreement in 2026.

This is driven in large part by the advent of Link Light rail beginning operation out of Lynnwood Transit Center on September 14, and the proposed permanent changes to the route system for commuter work. The process for this eventual transition will be worked out over the next 6-9 months and ATU will be advocating for our members’ rights as these critical decisions are made. 

ATU has taken some important preliminary steps to protect our members’ interests as we enter this process, including enlisting the assistance of our Labor Attorneys, filing a grievance regarding the changes in the route system, and working with the International ATU to investigate the extent of the protections we have for our members under 13C.

There are many important questions that we still must answer in the coming months, including how and by what process we will address seniority for members from Transdev who come to work at Community Transit. These are answers we just don’t have at this early stage, and there will be much more discussion and communication before any decisions can be made.

Going forward, as we meet regularly with Community Transit, we will continue to communicate updates with members as decisions are made.  Members can also stay updated on the process by attending the Charter Meetings, and checking the articles posted to the ATU website, or through contacting us directly.

In closing, we are in the beginning stages of a long process, and while there will be employment for our Transdev Brothers and Sisters at Community Transit, all the specific details have yet to be carefully worked out. What we can say today is that ATU will be involved in that process each step of the way and this union’s number one priority is preserving jobs while protecting our wages, hours and working conditions as we proceed through these upcoming changes.

In Solidarity, 

Dani Julien

President/BA Local 1576