********************* Cursing the Electronic Age *********************

 

The good news, for those of us who are wary of the scourge of small electronic devices that invade our lives on a daily basis, is that we have so many convenient ways to complain. If we have a gripe, we can blog it, tweet it, text it, spam it to millions who could not care less, call someone on our contact list, and post it for all of our “friends” to see. In my case, though, I think I will just use this space in the Colorado Labor Advocate. 

 

Just as you would not dream of operating an RTD bus while reading the Labor Advocate, I implore you not to be texting or dialing, or Internet surfing, while behind the wheel. All of the properties we represent, two at First Transit, Veolia, and RTD, are taking a harder look at cell phone usage. RTD is expected to implement a policy soon that would make texting or dialing—even with hands-free technology—while behind the wheel into a Class A infraction, for which one offense could lead to termination. Cell phone use has been against the rules for a long time, but this is where it gets serious.

 

Getting fired is a harsh result, and we will fight excessive discipline when we think we can win. The problem with a grievance case involving a bus driver using an electronic device is finding an impartial arbitrator to hear the case who has not watched a YouTube video twenty times of some texting operator plowing unwittingly into stopped traffic. 

 

Distracted driving is fast becoming the new DUI, with new laws and employment rules being fashioned across the country. If that is not enough reason to beware, do you really want to be the person whose accident video is the next Internet sensation?

 

Stowing our own cell phones, however, will only address a small part of the problem. As employees of RTD and its contractors, our members are also subject to a number of distractions from our own employers. RTD is currently looking into Union suggestions that they revisit their own use of electronic communications.

 

Bus operators face radio calls and text messages on the transit control head as distractions while driving, in addition to whatever commotion is going on in the seats behind them. Facilities Maintenance employees who work outside of RTD buildings have been issued company cell phones are now being given Bluetooth headsets. Many other maintenance employees have radios or cell phones issued to them, along with company vehicles.

 

All employees are subject to discipline if they fail to answer and respond to calls from their supervisor or dispatcher. Arguably, that fact makes such contact even more distracting to an RTD employee. If your boss is calling you, the expectation that you will respond quickly is heightened, and so is the level of danger.

 

Other than emergencies, RTD probably does not have a real need for many of its routine wireless communications to workers who are out on the streets. Likewise, RTD does not appear to have a consistent and well-communicated protocol for employees to follow (such as pulling off the road to a safe location before responding).

 

Given RTD’s safety concerns about driver distractions, it only makes sense to see if their own communications are part of the problem. We will let you know if RTD or its contractors take steps to minimize the distractions our members must face.

 

*****

 

Smile, you may be on candid camera. Through First Transit and Veolia, the Union has developed a fair amount of experience with Drive Cams in buses. These are event recorders that are triggered by sudden motions, turns or braking, which then preserve 10 seconds of video both before and after the trigger point. Typically, one camera faces the driver and all passengers inside the bus and the other looks out the front window.

 

While we have not changed our RTD bus camera side letter at all, RTD has launched a pilot program to install 25 Drive Cams on buses operated out of RTD facilities. The side letter only allows the use of video for discipline purposes in certain cases, and we have a long-standing past practice or protecting bus operators’ privacy, so no camera is supposed to be aimed at them while in the driver’s seat. The bus cameras side letter is an important part of our collective bargaining agreement with RTD, and it has not been changed in any way to accommodate the trial program. If you are called in to discuss any event captured by one of these Drive Cams, be sure to let your Union Chief Steward know what is going on.

 

****** RETIREE CORNER: Notice of Nominations for Retired Chapter Elections ****** 

 

It is election time this September for officers of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1001 Retired Chapter. Pursuant to the chapter’s by-laws, nominations for office were accepted at the July meeting, and may also be made at the August 20 meeting which will be held at 1 pm at the Union Hall, 3315 West 72^nd Avenue in Westminster. Our meetings are always held on the third Friday of each month, and we will feed you if you show up at about 12:30 pm. Retirees and spouses are always welcome to attend.