WR News Writer 
The Martz Gold Line workers in Maryland marched out one early Thursday morning for the strike. They made their point straight and clearly-they are sick and tired of being treated the way the company treats them.
Transit Union-Local 689-their membership include bus drivers, mechanics, and service people. “Labor laws have been violated in this dispute with Martz, and we are done with it. Trying to push us around at the negotiating table has not worked. Only the union offered a serious commitment toward a fair deal.”
This is not merely a battle for their dues; it is about dignity. “Workers are fed up. This is about fairness and dignity. These are the people who keep the buses running every day. They deserve better,” stated ATU director John Costa.
The talks between the company and the union began way back in December 2024, but workers have been living under an expired contract since January 20 this year. It was the recent offer of Martz which was rejected by the workers, who stated their reason very clearly.
Since the last time both sides met on Tuesday, workers have been hopeful for progress. The union maintained Martz was unwilling to budge on anything, whereas the union was making concessions in the aim of finding a compromise.
Martz Gold Line works several bus services along established routes, including some critical ones for the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA), along with charter operations. For now, the strike would affect services on those routes.
