Loudoun County Transit/Veolia Workers March on Boss

News provided by

International Brotherhood of Teamsters

Feb 16, 2011, 01:38 ET

Teamsters Local 570 Members Deliver Petition Calling for Fair Contract

PURCEVILLE, Va., Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dozens of Loudoun County Transit drivers represented by Teamsters Local 570 in Baltimore, marched on their management today, presenting a petition demanding a fair union contract. The drivers provide daily commuter service for hundreds of Virginia residents. They have been involved in contract negotiations with Veolia, a French multinational corporation that operates Loudoun County Transit, since November of 2009.

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"This is about simple fairness," said Sean Cedenio, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local Union 570. "We just want a resolution to this dispute as quickly as possible so there is no service disruption for D.C. commuters."

The 78 drivers and mechanics have been frustrated by the company's delay tactics, and are starting to take action.

"Veolia works because we do, and we deserve a fair deal. Without us, Veolia couldn't provide the service so many commuters rely on everyday," said driver Loriann Perkins.

Negotiations stalled in December of 2009, and federal mediators were called in to assist both parties in agreeing to an extension so that service would continue without interruption. Currently, drivers are seeking a return to their 2009 pay scale with moderate increases. Veolia's contract with Loudoun County has raises built in every year.

A supermajority of workers has signed onto the petition, and many workers are angry with what they see as unfair treatment from management. Workers were joined by community leaders who are also outraged at the situation.

"Customer satisfaction comes from the work we do, not what Veolia does. We deserve better than this. We make this company run safely and on-time everyday," said Jennifer Carter, driver.

Veolia is a French multinational company with operations throughout the U.S. and Canada, and Loudoun County Transit is one of its many North American contracts. The Teamsters represent thousands of Veolia members at all three of the company's North American subsidiaries. Veolia derives over $1 billion in revenue from its U.S. operations and more than $7.6 billion worldwide, positioning itself as one of the most profitable transportation conglomerates in the world.

Founded in 1903, the Teamsters Union represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters