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The Present => DC Transit Today => Newsroom => Topic started by: Scrabbleship on September 13, 2010, 12:10:17 PM

Title: PG TheBus on Strike (Examiner)
Post by: Scrabbleship on September 13, 2010, 12:10:17 PM
Looks like Veolia and Teamsters 639 (TheBus's union) aren't getting along that well... (http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/blogs/capital-land/pg-county-bus-drivers-on-strike-102772524.html)

The news that Veolia has somewhat unreasonable discipline policies (suspension for very minor infractions, termination after a low number of suspensions for even post-probationary workers) has me siding with the union for once. Firing someone for running a yellow or hitting the brakes too hard is just as bad as giving jobs back to felons, IMO.

Title: Re: PG TheBus on Strike (Examiner)
Post by: WMAveteran on September 14, 2010, 01:29:19 AM
Quote from: Scrabbleship on September 13, 2010, 12:10:17 PM
Looks like Veolia and Teamsters 639 (TheBus's union) aren't getting along that well... (http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/blogs/capital-land/pg-county-bus-drivers-on-strike-102772524.html)

The news that Veolia has somewhat unreasonable discipline policies (suspension for very minor infractions, termination after a low number of suspensions for even post-probationary workers) has me siding with the union for once. Firing someone for running a yellow or hitting the brakes too hard is just as bad as giving jobs back to felons, IMO.



There should not be a right to strike against the public interest, IMO.  Plus, statistics show that the striking workers never recoup the financial losses that result from a strike and they lose public support.
Title: Re: PG TheBus on Strike (Examiner)
Post by: LandoverDivision on September 14, 2010, 06:09:06 AM
In a way I can see why The Bus is the way it is. Seems like they get treated like garbage by Veolia. I would hate to work for them.
Title: Re: PG TheBus on Strike (Examiner)
Post by: Tritransit Area on September 15, 2010, 10:42:40 AM
Quote from: Scrabbleship on September 13, 2010, 12:10:17 PM
Looks like Veolia and Teamsters 639 (TheBus's union) aren't getting along that well... (http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/blogs/capital-land/pg-county-bus-drivers-on-strike-102772524.html)

The news that Veolia has somewhat unreasonable discipline policies (suspension for very minor infractions, termination after a low number of suspensions for even post-probationary workers) has me siding with the union for once. Firing someone for running a yellow or hitting the brakes too hard is just as bad as giving jobs back to felons, IMO.

Funny thing is, I agree with you.  Usually I'm rather irritated at unions if they decide to strike (especially living in the Philadelphia area), but those work rules are ridiculous!  If what they say is true, the union and Veolia really need to hammer out a set of work rules and code of ethics so that things are consistent and make sense...

The only gripe I have is that they just up and went on strike.  Guess people had to take the Metrobus that's usually ride behind THE BUS today. :)