Transit Workers Charge WMATA Chair With Conflict of Interest

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Hundreds of ATU Local 689 transit workers called out WMATA Board Chair Tom Downs at an early-morning rally outside WMATA for Downs’ dual role as chair of a private transit company, Veolia, which the ATU says “has a reputation for wrecking transit service in American cities.” Participants – including ATU President Larry Hanley and Local 689 President Jackie Jeter -- also leafleted several thousand Metro riders with flyers asking “Who is Tom Downs and Why is He Raising Your Fares?” photo by David Stephen/ATU