Vol. 75/No. 26      July 18, 2011

Members of Transport Workers Union Local 250-A rejected the contract June 8 by a vote of 994 to 488. But less than a week later they were overruled by a so-called “independent” arbitrator.

The system of binding arbitration for the 2,200 transit workers was put in place with passage last November of Proposition G, a ballot measure funded by big-business interests in the city. The capitalist media campaigned in favor of Proposition G, blaming the drivers for chronic transit funding shortages and deterioration of the system.

At bus barns here drivers expressed outrage at the vilification they face in the media. While their pay is being frozen for three years, they said their main concern is the new work rules.

A driver with 32 years’ experience, who like others did not want his name used for fear of company reprisal, explained that management now has complete control over schedules, assignment of runs, suspensions, firings, and the outcome of accident investigations, with no union input.

“It’s like they are standing above us with an ax over our head,” said another worker. “There are going to be accidents. With the crowded streets, the congestion.”

“The way they try to tweak these runs, you can end up working many hours without a break or lunch,” he pointed out.

Also troubling, many drivers said, was the contract’s opening of the floodgates to hiring part-timers as part of instituting more “flexible” work schedules and cutting back non-rush-hour service. “Workers need full-time jobs to make it,” one commented.

One of the drivers subscribed to the Militant; 27 have bought single copies.  
 
 
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