In the wake of the tragic fatal shooting of a Baltimore bus driver, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) is demanding better protection for bus drivers, riders and the pedestrians.
While praising $32 billion in emergency funding for struggling public transportation systems in the updated Heroes Act, the ATU calls for critical funding for the school bus and motor coach industries devastated since the pandemic began.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, the ATU mourns the deaths of those 90 members who put their lives on the line as essential frontline workers during this global crisis.
The ATU is out in full force working to elect them in November.
Local 1333 Pres. Jodi Williams shares that 12 employees have tested positive for COVID19. “It is an unsafe work environ. to be out there the kind of busses that we have, the airflow even with the HVAC system... the airflow all goes to the driver,”
“This has been nothing but a daily nightmare. We think they need to put those protocols back in place. The rear-door boarding made so much sense,” Buccitti said.
The forum was hosted by Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1772, one of RTD’s labor organizations, and moderated by former 9News meteorologist Marty Coniglio.
Sometimes dangerous job comeswith low pay, high stress, andCOVID-19 complicates matters.
"I feel like the city doesn't care about the working poor who rely on the TTC. I can't get in a car and go to work using it and my coworkers are all in the same boat. It's extremely frustrating. I feel like we have been left behind by the city,"...
Block said TriMet has put “almost no wage increases” on the table for its members, citing COVID. “We know that our members, who really are heroes, deserve more than what TriMet is offering, and so we are going to keep fighting for it,” she said.
ATU International President John Costa demands Safe Service from our transit agencies and private employers. Support the ATU Safe Service Now campaign by visiting bit.ly/safeservicenow.
Vice President Joe Biden speaking with ATU Local 836-Grand Rapids, MI member Jerry Brown about the important role of transit workers in the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for greater protections for transit workers.
ATU International President John Costa praised NJ Governor for his Executive Order: “Governor Murphy, on behalf of the ATU and all transit workers, we salute you for recognizing the importance of protecting Transit Workers and riders amid the coronavirus pandemic. You have set the standard for other states to follow! We thank you.
