Re: S/O of yesterday's public transportation question

• luckyinlove11902

  September 2011

  Oh wow...how crappy for those that rely on public transit. I can't imagine how stressful that must be.

  

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• MaryJaneWatz

  September 2011

  It really sucks for the people that rely on the buses in P'Cola. It's mostly lower income people here so missing work is not really a good thing (I guess it really isn't a good thing for anyone but you get what I mean). P'Cola has 85 bus drivers and 71 are on strike.

  *Old Nestie, New Name*
  
  

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• Madisen

  September 2011

  Yes, it sucks, but the people on strike are most likely lower income too and striking for a reason.

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• Lanerbell

  

  September 2011

  From what I understand, they're striking because of the managers, not the drivers. I'm sure the managers don't make tons either, but I don't think their issues should mean the drivers strike.

  

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• Madisen

  September 2011

  Lanerbell:

  From what I understand, they're striking because of the managers, not the drivers. I'm sure the managers don't make tons either, but I don't think their issues should mean the drivers strike.

  Actually, looks like it's the drivers.  Here's an article for you to read:

  http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011109210323

  ECAT workers on strike

  Wage issue halts public transit for thousands

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  Sharon Battle and other Amalgamated Transit Union members strike the Escambia County Area Transit building today. The labor dispute began at 4:30 a.m. today and affects thousands of ECAT riders.

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  Written by

  Thyrie Bland
  -->

  Escambia County Area Transit bus drivers voted Tuesday night to go on strike.

   

  The move leaves 6,000 to 8,000 commuters searching for another way to get around the county today.

   

  ECAT is running a modified schedule this morning. The following routes are being served: 2, 42, 45, 46, 50, 57 and 58.

   

  Union officials said supervisors are driving the buses.

  Striking drivers gathered at 4:30 a.m. today and began picketing at the ECAT building at 1515 W. Fairfield Drive.

  Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1395 members met with Escambia County Area Transit management Tuesday morning for contract negotiations.

  "The employees have gone over 1,000 days without a raise, and working conditions are the worst I've seen in 16 years," said Michael Lowery, president of Local 1395.

  ECAT officials could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

  Local 1395 represents ECAT workers as well as hundreds of other area transportation workers employed by government agencies and businesses.

  Veolia Transportation, a private company, manages ECAT.

  ECAT workers have not received raises since 2008 when they received a 4 percent wage increase, Lowery said.

  The union said Veolia violated a contract by not paying employees a 4.5 percent wage increase.

  Pensacola Bay Transportation drivers also are planning to go on strike, Lowery said. A strike date has not been set.

  Pensacola Bay Transportation drivers transport elderly people and people who are mentally and physically handicapped in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

  The workers have not received a wage increase since 2008. Most of drivers make less than $10 an hour, Lowery said.

  The drivers went on strike for 77 days between November 2005 to January 2006 over poor treatment, working conditions and wages.

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• Lanerbell

  

  September 2011

  Ah, I must have misunderstood the radio dj saying the supervisors were driving the few buses that are running. Either way, it's a crappy situation for everyone involved.

  

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