Jackie Jeter

Jackie Jeter, the president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 — the labor union representing Metro employees — once got in some hot water for allegedly responding to a critical email about Metro workers by telling the emailer that “apparently you believe in slavery.” Well, if you thought that was bad, wait until you hear what one of Jeter’s union members reportedly said during a recent meeting.

Adam Tuss has the dirt on a Metro operator who was apparently so sick and tired of the way things are going, that she actually said that “Arizona-style shootings could happen” at her union hall. Here’s how Jeter described the statement in a the last union newsletter:

“It is my understanding that during [a] heated discussion, a female operator stated that because of the increase in health care and the failure of the judge to issue a decision on wages and pension, the tragic shooting in Arizona could happen/was going to happen at the union hall! … Her comment, even spoken out of frustration, is unbelievable!”

Whoa. Jeter then added that she “understand[s] that there is a high level of frustration among the membership.” Uh, ya think? Metro and the union have been battling it out in court over a three percent raise for bus and train operators since 2008.

When WTOP contacted Jeter for comment, she told them that she was “truly not interested in having this conversation with the media … the newsletter is not meant to make news.” Methinks it’s a little too late for that excuse, Ms. Jeter.