Thursday Afternoon, August 20, 2015
UPDATE: - Loudoun County's commuter bus service is operating normally today. No cancellations of any routes are anticipated. If there are any changes as the afternoon progresses, alerts will be sent via LC Alert, SV Alert and the Bus Biz email system as soon as possible.
Riders who have questions may contact Loudoun County staff by email or by phone at 1-877-GO-LCBUS (1-877-465-2287).
Stay Informed
Loudoun County Transit communicates with bus riders in a variety of ways, including Bus Biz, LC Alerts and SV Alerts. Loudoun County commuter bus riders are encouraged to sign up for emails and text messages about service disruptions and other information related to the county's bus service. Learn more and sign up for messages at www.loudoun.gov/BusBiz.
Background
Loudoun County contracts with a company called Transdev for its commuter bus drivers. On Wednesday, August 19, a total of 16 drivers called in sick unexpectedly. According to Transdev, six drivers are members of the drivers’ union, Teamsters Local 570. Over the past six months, the union and Transdev have worked together to reach an agreement on an expired Collective Bargaining Agreement. Transdev called the unexpected attendance on Wednesday, August 19, a “sickout.”
A Message from Transdev
August 19, 2015
"Transdev provides bus operations services to Loudoun County. This morning about one-third of our employee drivers called in sick. We were not informed in advance about this action. The sickout has resulted in a reduction in bus service this morning, as well as delays.
We do not know whether the sickout will continue tomorrow or not. We are doing everything we can to locate drivers from other Transdev locations to help in Loudoun County.
The union that represents our drivers is the Teamsters Local 570. We have been told by union leadership that they did not sanction this sickout.
We advise passengers to expect similar delays and consider alternative plans for this afternoon. In addition, passengers should make preparations for tomorrow in case there is another sickout.
Over the last six months Transdev has worked with the Teamsters Local 570 and a mediator to reach an agreement on our expired Collective Bargaining Agreement. We have had productive negotiations. Our most recent offer was recommended for approval by union leadership but was rejected by the union members who voted.
We are committed to working with Teamsters leadership to resolve this situation, and we regret the tremendous inconvenience this has caused our passengers."
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Media Contact: Glen Barbour, Public Affairs and Communications Officer, 703-771-5086, Glen.Barbour@loudoun.gov