First, I want to express my pride in how ATU Members across the board have stepped up to make the system work in extremely dire circumstances. Homeless campouts on our buses and trains, increased aggression against Operators and Motormen, open drinking parties, general lawlessness. This is my number one priority this week and Branch Manager Robar assures me it is his as well. Working together we will get this under control

I also want to shout out to the many Community Shuttle Operators who have jumped into the traces to make sure our buses and LRVs are properly cleaned and disinfected daily. Thank you for making a difference!

The density of ridership on some routes is still dangerously high. I had a report of standing loads on the 125 this morning. Effective tomorrow, extra buses will be added to routes 1, 3, 5, 9, 125. As many as 15-20 more buses may be added.

Yesterday, over 2000 City of Edmonton employees were laid off. None were ATU members, but the service levels and the available resources to fund those service levels will be reviewed weekly, There may be another round next Monday.

We’ve circulated the Letter of Understanding that was negotiated with the City over the weekend. It means that those laid-off employees are protected for 16 weeks with 75% of their wages and continuance on benefits.

Concerns have arisen over employees who may be members of “at-risk” demographics. Specifically, your co-workers who are over 60 and may have compromised respiratory or immune systems would be at high risk of severe symptoms should they contract COVID 19. If you fit into these demographics or know someone who does, the first step is to talk to your supervisor, who must involve OH & S. They will take it from there.

Barrels of hand sanitizer and bales of disinfectant wipes have been acquired. There should be lots for everybody. If there isn’t, please let your supervisor know AND let us know. We’ll get on it.

Transit Peace Officers have been authorized by the Solicitor General to enforce the Public Health Act, including physical distancing. This will be a challenge for them as many of the vulnerable population who need to be controlled may themselves be infected, raising the stakes for the TPOs. It’s all so complicated.

That’s it for tonight. Please be safe. Do not take chances. Keep your distance and make others keep theirs. Be Safe, Be Healthy, Be Apart

In Solidarity,

Steve Bradshaw
President \ Business Agent