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Some riders were stranded Thursday morning waiting for buses to get to work after drivers walked off the job.
Drivers with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) 689 began the strike around 4 a.m. on Thursday.
Commuters who normally ride Maryland Transit Administration routes were stuck this morning, including Kim Danek at the Accokeek Park and Ride.
鈥淪ome of us only have the commuter bus lines and we can鈥檛 telework because we鈥檙e government employees,鈥� Danek said.
The union has said as many as are impacted by the strike.
Driver Omar Thomas, who was on the picket line at a bus garage in Hyattsville, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e fighting for fair wages and living wages, we need better treatment from this company that we鈥檝e given our blood sweat and tears too.鈥�
Driver Shante Middleton is also on the picket line and told 草莓传媒 drivers are ready for a long strike.
鈥淚 believe so, were sending a message to them letting them know, we鈥檙e dedicated drivers and we deserve better,鈥� Middleton said.
The union says the current contract expired on Jan. 20.
In a news release ATU International President John Costa said: 鈥淥ur union and our members at Local 689 are fed up with the disrespect Martz has shown them. We鈥檝e been down this road before in the DC area with strikes. Our members will again stand strong and united.鈥�
草莓传媒 has reached out to Martz Bus line for comment.
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