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Metro, union reach contract deal that cuts short privatization push

Metro and its largest union have reached an agreement on a four-year contract that will head off some privatization efforts.

The tentative agreement jointly announced late Tuesday comes well ahead of the expiration of the current deal on June 30.

The agreement still must get formal approval from the union members and Metro Board.

As part of the deal, Metro has agreed not to contract out Silver Line operations to Dulles International Airport and Loudoun County, Virginia, and has agreed to “create a path” toward ending contracting at the Cinder Bed Road garage in Lorton, Virginia, where workers have been on strike for seven weeks.

Ending Metro’s efforts to privatize Silver Line operations and the work at Cinder Bed Road were key demands of the strike.

Financial details of the deal were not immediately released in order to provide time for workers and the Metro Board to be briefed.

Washington Manassas Airport cleared to offer commercial airline flights

Washington Manassas Airport, formerly known as Manassas Regional Airport, has taken a big step toward its goal of offering passenger service. The airport, which is owned by the city of Manassas, Virginia, received its FAA Part 139 Airport Operating Certificate, a designation required before commercial airlines can begin service. During a ceremony Monday, FAA Associate Administrator Dan Edwards presented a framed version of the certificate to airport leaders.  Edwards said it's "extremely rare" for an existing airport that caters to private flights to clear this hurdle. 
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