News

Transit Equity Day Panel

Posted February 2022

On Tuesday, ITLC’s new Senior Communications Specialist participated in the “What does transit equity mean to transit workers” virtual panel in recognition of Transit Equity Day, a day that transit activists around the nation have set aside to fight for access to public transportation as a civil right, marking the birthday of visionary activist and leader Rosa Parks, affectionately known as the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” The event, sponsored by ATU Local 689, the Washington Interfaith Network, and other transit organizations, showcased transit workers who spoke about their work and encouraged new workers into transit careers. In reflecting on the work of transit workers at WMATA, ATU Local 689 Executive Board Member Greg Bowen noted, “This is not just a job, this is a career.” He and WMATA Bus operator Tony Pollard, who was a part of the union organizing effort of the Cinder Bed Bus garage in Loudon, Virginia, answered questions from the panel that stressed the importance of being in a union and how that has provided them with paid vacations, sick leave, healthcare, pensions, guaranteed work, a 40- hour work week, and attention to safety. “At ITLC, we know that training and apprenticeship are essential to help advance equity and diversity in the transit workforce,” said David Stephen at the panel discussion. “We are proud to honor the legacy of Rosa Parks today by continuing our mission to work with transit agencies and unions around the county to provide equitable opportunities to secure good, family-sustaining jobs in transit.” To see Tuesday’s panel, click here.