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Union bus drivers go on strike in Maryland: ‘We can’t stand for it no more’

striking employees
The union has said as many as six bus routes affecting 27 trips are impacted by the strike. (海角社区app/Kyle Cooper )
striking employees
Some riders were stranded Thursday morning waiting for buses to get to work after drivers walked off the job. (海角社区app/Kyle Cooper)
striking employees
Drivers with the Amalgamated Transit Union 689 began the strike around 4 a.m. on Thursday. (ATU)
striking employees
The union says the current contract expired on Jan. 20. (海角社区app/Kyle Cooper )
employees striking
Commuters who normally ride Maryland Transit Administration routes operated by Martz Bus line, were stuck this morning. (海角社区app/Kyle Cooper )
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Some riders were stranded Thursday morning waiting for buses to get to work after drivers walked off the job.

Drivers with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 689 began the strike around 4 a.m. on Thursday.

Commuters who normally ride Maryland Transit Administration routes were stuck this morning, including Kim Danek at the Accokeek Park and Ride.

鈥淪ome of us only have the commuter bus lines and we can鈥檛 telework because we鈥檙e government employees,鈥 Danek said.

The union has said as many as are impacted by the strike.

Driver Omar Thomas, who was on the picket line at a bus garage in Hyattsville, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e fighting for fair wages and living wages, we need better treatment from this company that we鈥檝e given our blood sweat and tears too.鈥

Driver Shante Middleton is also on the picket line and told 海角社区app drivers are ready for a long strike.

鈥淚 believe so, were sending a message to them letting them know, we鈥檙e dedicated drivers and we deserve better,鈥 Middleton said.

The union says the current contract expired on Jan. 20.

In a news release ATU International President John Costa said: 鈥淥ur union and our members at Local 689 are fed up with the disrespect Martz has shown them. We鈥檝e been down this road before in the DC area with strikes. Our members will again stand strong and united.鈥

海角社区app has reached out to Martz Bus line for comment.

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Kyle Cooper

Weekend and fill-in anchor Kyle Cooper has been with 海角社区app since 1992. Over those 25 years, Kyle has worked as a street reporter, editor and anchor. Prior to 海角社区app, Kyle worked at several radio stations in Indiana and at the Indianapolis Star 海角社区apppaper.

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