As a bus strike in Northern Virginia stretches into its third week, union members rallied outside Metro headquarters on Wednesday. They called on the agency to stop privatizing services and to intervene in contract negotiations between the union and WMATA contractor Transdev.

Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 began striking on Oct. 24. The union is negotiating its first contract with Transdev, and the two sides could not agree on working conditions, pay, and benefits. Metro privatized the portion of bus routes in Virginia last year, and workers are pushing for the same pay and benefits as unionized Metro workers.

An agreement still seems far away. Union President Raymond Jackson said workers are in for a “marathon, not a sprint.”

“I need (Transdev) to know I’m in it to win it,” Jackson said. “This could go on for another month, another two or three months. I’ll be right here.”

Over the lunch hour on Wednesday, more than 200 union members, allies from other industries, and politicians gathered outside WMATA for speeches, chants, and songs.

Transdev and ATU Local 689 returned to the bargaining table from Oct. 31 until Nov. 2, but then talks broke down. Transdev asked a federal mediator to help in the negotiations, but the union is opposed to that.

“Transdev regrets the hardship and inconvenience caused by the work stoppage and remains fully committed to coming to an agreement as quickly as possible,” said spokesperson Mitun Seguin in an emailed statement on Nov. 3. “Transdev continues to bargain in good faith and welcomes employees to return to work at any time while working toward a contract.”

WMATA General Manager Paul Wiedefeld previously said this conflict is between Transdev and its workers, and his agency would not intervene. Metro outsourced the service last year to save money.

Union members and riders say the buses have Metro logos, the uniforms have Metro logos, and the service is Metro service, so the buck should stop with Metro.

Chris Townsend is a rider on the 18P bus who said his commuting time has gone up five hours a week, and the cost has tripled since the strike.

“I have tried contacting Metro Customer Service, who refuses to hear me on this issue or have my issues heard, despite the buses on the 18P lines being WMATA buses, and a WMATA contract with Transdev,” Townsend wrote in an email to Metro’s Rider Advisory Council. “They only give me an email address for Transdev and I do not believe I am being heard.”

Eighteen routes in Northern Virginia have been affected. Most have been canceled. Several are running weekend-level service.

Jackson said he feels for riders and asked them to put pressure on politicians and WMATA.

Transdev did not return a request for comment on Wednesday’s rally.