No Fares Tuesday

Today, as part of job action, Transit Operators are not going to ask anyone for a fare. 

It is not about a free ride.  It is about members of the transit union making a point as part of their negotiations with City Hall.  City Hall has commented on the job action by saying what the transit operators are doing is illegal. 

I have a friend who is a transit operator.  I decided to interview him about the job action.  I got my questions lined up.

1)  It has been just two years since one of your brother operators was killed randomly by a passenger.  Do you think about that every day when you enter your bus?

2)  In the two years since the bus driver was murdered, there have been new buses added to the fleet, but even they haven't had safety shields installed.  It appears that the City doesn't care about your safety.  How does that make you feel?

3)  The City has not added any safety features to the bus fleet, even the minimal ones that your Union suggested.  How does that make you feel?

4)  The City wouldn't allow you to recognize the second anniversary of a bus driver being murdered, saying you should have been over your grief by now.  How did that make you feel?

5)  We have read numerous stories about liquor store employees not being allowed to stop anyone who commits theft.  \Some of the stories have actually been funny.  An employee noted that she helped a customer with a very large order and the customer thanked her and walked out with the liquor.  The government tells its employees not to intervene because of safety.  Transit operators, in a very real sense, seem to risk their lives everyday to collect $2.95.  Any comments?

6)  I understand that every day you are sworn at, called names, and often threatened.  Does this daily disrespect affect your mental health? 

7)  The City has repeatedly said that they can not put in additional safety measures because of the cost.  How does it feel that your safety is put second behind dollars. 

8)  At the end of last year, the City announced that transit had a huge surplus in their budget that was going to be used for other departments.  How does that make you feel? 

9)  In another City department, they are investigating egregious issues of workers in the PPD doing personal errands while on City time.  These employees in the PPD make more money than you do.  Any comments on that? 

10)  Negotiations between the City and the Union are at a standstill.  Apparently, it is not about wages, it is about safety.  The City has said they have given their last offer and they aren't interested in negotiating.  What are your thoughts about this? 

That was the start of my list of questions.  After re-reading the list, I thought I can't put my friend through these questions.  They would be too painful for him to answer.  If you ride the bus today, thank your bus driver for the work that they do.  Not just for today for the free fare, but everyday. 


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