Transit Strike Disrupting MTA Routes To Resume Friday After Evening Pause

Transit Strike Maryland update — Video Screenshot from Amalgamated Transit Union

HYATTSVILLE, Md. — The strike by Martz Gold Line workers paused Thursday evening but is set to resume early Friday morning, continuing a labor dispute that has disrupted commuter bus service across Southern Maryland.

The walkout, which began at 4 a.m. Thursday, April 24, involves bus operators, mechanics and technicians represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689. Workers picketed throughout the day at Martz’s Hyattsville facility, demanding fairer wages and alleging the company has failed to negotiate in good faith.

Union officials confirmed that the strike officially paused at 5 p.m. Thursday and will resume at 4 a.m. Friday, April 25. Picketing will continue at the same location: Martz Gold Line, 5500 Tuxedo Road, Hyattsville, MD 20781.

In a statement to The BayNet, a union representative explained:

“The primary reason we went on strike is because of unfair labor practices committed by the company, failure to bargain in good faith is one of the charges. We have some agreement with the company for the first year of the contract for maintenance workers. We still have a disagreement over the service tech, drivers, for years 1–3 and maintenance for years 2–3 of the contract.”

The representative confirmed that no new bargaining date has been scheduled. While workers from Dillon’s Bus Service Hanover and Towson Loop also voted to authorize a strike, the union said they currently have no plans to join the strike.

The strike has affected six Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) commuter routes that serve Charles and St. Mary’s counties, leaving thousands of riders without bus access to Washington, D.C.

The following MTA commuter bus routes operated by Martz Gold Line were not running Thursday due to the strike:

Route 305: Waldorf to Washington, D.C.
Route 315: Waldorf to Washington, D.C.
Route 325: Waldorf to Washington, D.C.
Route 630: La Plata and Waldorf to Washington, D.C.
Route 640: Waldorf and Accokeek to Washington, D.C.
Route 735: Charlotte Hall and Waldorf to Washington, D.C.

In response to a request for comment, Martz Bus, Gold Line Inc. stated, “Martz Bus, Gold Line Inc. has no comment regarding your inquiry at this time.”