Seven city bus drivers refusing to work: union
Workers cite unsafe conditions as transit steps up precautions against coronavirus
Cindy van Seters spent the last couple of weeks watching the number of people climbing aboard the bus during her morning and afternoon commutes dwindle.
While only a handful of people are now riding Route 14 in the morning, van Seters said the number getting on at the end of the workday makes her slightly nervous.
“In the afternoons, I wish that they would have two buses … Right now, people are sitting one behind the other,” she said in a phone interview Friday morning.
Van Seters’ concerns are echoed in some comments received by Bus Riders of Saskatoon, a lively Facebook group for transit commuters to share their experiences and concerns.
“We’ve had the odd report of people not practising social distancing on the bus, or even trying to do that,” said Robert Clipperton, a spokesman for the group.
While van Seters said she is trying not to worry too much, seven
Saskatoon bus drivers have exercised their right to refuse unsafe work conditions, according to their union.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 615 president Darcy Pederson said those drivers have been accommodated and are now working at the garage, but those still on the roads are also worried.
“They’re scared and they’re not happy with Transit’s reaction … and how they’re cleaning the buses. They just feel they’re not being protected from the virus as much as they could be,” he said.
Pederson said Saskatoon Transit could supply masks and gloves, as well as arrange for surfaces such as handrails and seats to be wiped down each time they pass through a terminal, typically every hour.
In a statement, Saskatoon Transit director Jim Mcdonald said the city is aware of the complaints and will respond directly “as they are between the employee, employee representatives and the employer.”
The city said three of the complaints have been “resolved.” In a subsequent statement issued late Friday afternoon, Mcdonald said the provincial government in its first decision has not accepted the workers’ refusal.
Like virtually ever other public organization, Saskatoon Transit has been profoundly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to introduce physical distancing.
The city’s transit utility has already waived fares, introduced rear-door entry and moved to a modified schedule as the number of daily bus riders decreases amid fear of the virus.
Buses are also subject to additional cleaning and disinfecting, though the city has warned that surfaces such as handrails cannot be considered sanitized.
City officials initially capped the maximum number of people permitted on one bus at 25. Earlier this week, however, the province banned all gatherings larger than 10 people.
According to the city, more than 10 people are still allowed on city buses, provided they are able to maintain the recommended two-metre distance from other passengers.
Mcdonald said distribution of hand sanitizer began on Thursday and drivers are being encouraged to wear their gloves while working.
He said there is no evidence surgical masks protect people who are not sick, and noted the city is running buses to transport medical staff, first responders and other essential workers.
Clipperton said he believes Saskatoon Transit has done a good job of adapting to the rapidly-changing circumstances but plans to raise concerns in a meeting with officials next week.
Both Pederson and van Seters also encouraged people to avoid riding the bus just because it is now free, and said people should avoid all non-essential travel on public transit.
“If you don’t need to go anywhere, stay home,” she said.
They’re scared and they’re not happy with Transit’s reaction … and how they’re cleaning the buses. They just feel they’re not being protected.