Union calls for firing of Metro GM after claims of special treatment for white nationalists at rally

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A union that represents Metro workers has called for the transit system's general manager to be fired after they say special accommodations were made for a white nationalist rally in Washington, D.C. over the weekend.

ATU Local 689 President Jackie Jeter said that employees are disgusted after the union claimed preferential treatment was given to white nationalists attending the Unite the Right rally in the District.

RELATED: Union blasts Metro for special treatment of white nationalists attending Unite the Right rally

"Today, the public was lied to by WMATA General Manager Paul Wiedefeld the same way he has been lying to this union for the last two years," Jeter said in a statement on Sunday. "The special accommodation for a hate rally in Washington D.C. was dishonest, unprecedented, and not a reflection of the principles of ATU Local 689 or "DC Values."

"We are asking the public to join us in contacting the Northern Virginia Transportation Commision (NVTC), DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to order the Metro Board to fire the general manager immediately," Jeter continued.

RELATED: Metro says it's not providing private rail cars for 'Unite the Right' rally

Leading up to the march Metro officials were insistent that the white nationalists would not receive any favorable treatment, including being allowed to ride on private trains or in private train cars.

"To be absolutely clear, Metro is not preparing a 'special train' for the private use of any group," Metro said in a news release last week. "As with any ridership-generating event (e.g. large sporting events, concerts, Fourth of July celebrations, and many First Amendment demonstrations), Metro will be prepared to add trains as needed to address crowding if necessary. Should platform crowding become a concern at any particular station, Metro Transit Police may temporarily restrict access for safety reasons, as they do routinely during large events."

RELATED: Metro Chairman Evans says no plans for separate cars for hate group

Metro spokesperson Sherri Ly released the following statement on Sunday:

"All Orange Line trains were marked "special" as a destination today because they terminate at Foggy Bottom, which is not a normal terminus, because of major track work. The Kessler group traveled from Vienna to Foggy Bottom on a regularly scheduled train, together with other passengers, media and law enforcement. They were escorted by police onto the rear of the train and police rode in that rail car and others to protect the safety of everyone onboard the train. The train stopped at every station to allow any customers to enter and exit. Vienna station remained open to the public at all times. Any changes to traffic patterns were directed by police for crowd management."