LOCALS FIGHT ON FRONTLINES AGAINST PANDEMIC
With the help of the International, Locals are fighting to force transit properties to provide the safety, hazard pay and other protections our members deserve during the coronavirus pandemic:
Calgary members prepare for student surge
Pittsburgh Local protests violation of free speech In an unprecedented act of repression and hypocrisy, the Port Authority of Allegheny County has violated the Free Speech rights of their workers by issuing an amended dress code policy prohibiting buttons, stickers, jewelry and clothing – including masks or other face coverings – of a political or social protest nature. Two Local 85-Pittsburgh, PA, drivers were disciplined for wearing “Black Lives Matter” masks against the new policy. “This is flat out censorship,” says Local President Steve Palonis.
Local 583-Calgary, AB, is pleased with the 95% compliance with Calgary Transit’s mask requirement during the day, but is concerned that “In the evening it seems like the masks drop off literally,” says Local President Mike Mahar. With schools opening, Mahar is wondering how drivers will enforce the 75% capacity rule. “If there are 50 students standing at a bus stop and they start piling on it’s very difficult for that operator to say, ‘OK you stop here now.’”
Masks now mandatory on Saskatoon buses Masks are now mandatory on all Saskatoon (SK) Transit buses, but operators will not be required to enforce the IN TRANSIT
| www.atu.org
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