Metro's union files suit to 'enforce' wage increase

WASHINGTON - A dispute is brewing between Metro and the union that represents the transit agency's front line employees after Amalgamated Transit Local 689 filed a suit to "confirm and enforce" the contract arbitration award issued to the union earlier this month.

The suit was filed Monday after Metro appealed an arbitrator's ruling saying the transit authority has to pay workers a 9 percent increase in pay over the next few years. Metro says the increase is unjust because it would force them to pay an amount that would negatively impact riders. The transit agency called for a review of the actual amount, prompting the union to take action.

"It's unfortunate that the union has to go to court to enforce an award that by law is 'final and binding,'" says Union President Jackie Jeter.

In a response to the claim that the increased wages would be a burden for Metro's budget, the union pointed to a 3 percent raise in 2009 for non-union employees, as well as funding allocated for the rehabilitation of the heating, venting, and air conditioning systems in the 1000 series Metrorail cars. The NTSB recommend that Metro consider pulling the 1000 series cars after the June 22 crash that killed nine people.

When asked about the possibility of a strike last week, Metro said it didn't see that happening.

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