Daryn’s update from DATS this week:

• hand sanitizers have gone missing from the buses. People are likely walking off with them: it was put out on a Facebook memo to please leave these important bits of PPE in the buses.
• Another issue is confusion over “ON-CALL” days. To be clear, these are Work Days. Rather than have people waiting for their work assignments at Percy Wickman, they’re being asked to wait at home. It supports the physical distancing protocol. If you’re on call, you’re on the clock. Everybody is still getting a full week’s pay.
• Masks are nearly unavailable around the world. They do not protect the wearer, they protect others FROM the wearer. If a person needs to wear a mask, they should probably be at home on isolation. The employers have no problem with members wearing their own masks if they have them. 

ETS Maintenance:

• There are now more than 30 re-deployed City workers working with our maintenance members to help get the buses & LRVs cleaned and disinfected every night.

Security & Operations: 

At 5:30 this afternoon, ETS’ plan went into effect to reduce the density of “non-destination riders” who have presented such a challenge to operators & TPOs since the implementation of no fare transit. With 2 TPOs and an Operator in Isolation because of a single attack, this is our biggest issue.

Keeping in mind that “no-fare” was implemented at the insistence of the Union all the way to the International in Washington and with our employers’ desire to reduce contact between Operators and the public, this is one of those “unintended consequences”.

As of now, TPOs are at Century Park clearing the trains of all passengers, every trip. Those with no destination will be put onto special buses and transported to the agencies downtown or to whatever stop they want on the way. 

Tomorrow, it will ramp up to include the same action at NAIT. And then it will ramp up through the weekend to include the buses on specified routes (you know the ones). “We want to make sure its uncomfortable for them to use our system for their kitchen, party room and bathroom.” Said Branch Manager Eddie Robar. “We get the problem and we won’t stop until it is solved.”

All of which is to say that you, the ATU membership who spoke up a day ago were heard. From the Branch Manager to the City Manager to City Council and back down the hierarchy, you were heard. You made a difference. And actions are being taken. Thank you.

That’s about it for today, but before I go, a word about overloads and pass-ups: I keep hearing reports of overloads, even the occasional standing load. I’m advising you that if you have a situation that clearly violates the physical distancing protocol, you should call control. If you feel it is unsafe to carry more passengers, document the situation carefully and make it safe for yourself and your passengers. People matter more than convenience.

The City is working on a clear directive about this issue and I hope to be able to tell you about it here tomorrow, but in the meantime,

Be Safe, Be Healthy, Be Apart

Steve Bradshaw
President\Business Agent