[[{“value”:”As a result of escalating assaults on operators, drivers are staging a sick-out on the metro.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is experiencing the heat ( let’s say five times fast ).
There’s nearly 360 drivers did n’t show for work on Friday.
The agency’s scrambling to fill the gaps, grabbing anyone they can to keep those dollars rolling in, I mean, keep those buses rolling.
It appears that Metro drivers are getting too weary of being forced to punch bags and putting their feet up when it comes to driving.
@MayorOfLA, @GavinNewsom and Democrat controlled California folks:
To protest violent attacks, LA Metro bus drivers stage’ sick- out ‘ affecting 41 bus lines – Daily News https ://t.co/8 VeYpDc2j7
— Eric Christen ( @ericdchristen ) May 4, 2024
LA Times reports:
After hundreds of drivers held a sick-out in protest of the rising number of assaults on operators, dozens of Metro bus routes were delayed on Friday.
On 360 operators, or about 10 % of drivers, were unwell, according to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, forcing the agency to redeploy instructors, field supervisors, and those observing from control rooms to the driver’s seat as of midday Friday.
Metro has received criticism from union train and bus drivers for failing to retaliate with sufficient force when there is excessive violence on the system. Recently, numerous attacks have targeted drivers, including one in Willowbrook, where a man fatally knifed a bus driver while watching as people watch.
Next year, the agency logged 168 assaults, a little increase from the previous year. Spat on and stabbed were among the assaults.
” We understand the unwell- out affected a small percentage of bus riders”, John Ellis, who represents six union locals, said in a statement. the International Association’s representative for 5, 000 metro bus and train operators. of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers told passengers that the union recognizes their “anguish” and that” Metro sees your frustration”, adding:” We will continue these standing stones of safety”.
Stephanie Wiggins, the organization’s chief executive, and Ellis have been advocating for the creation of a police force in collaboration. He asserts that improving security can be achieved by working “hand in hand” with Metro leadership.
Others are n’t so sure. Although the union did not plan the action, it raises questions about the union’s strong, brewing annoyance. Some drivers are concerned about their safety day in and day out, and many have expressed outrage on social media about attacks.
In February, there was an attack almost every other day — 12 in all — according to a Metro report. At Western Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard, a driver was punched after asking a passenger to stand behind a golden safety line in a particular situation.
A retired bus driver who was never authorized to speak to the media claimed Metro only wants the buses moving while drivers worry about missing home.
The driver expressed concern for the safety of the novel protective barriers.
” Metro does n’t care about its drivers”, the person said.
” We are all dispensable”.
Metro warned on Friday of at least 40 bus routes affected by the staff shortage, including Line 53, which runs from downtown Los Angeles to Dominguez Hills, Line 251, from Eagle Rock to Lynwood, Line 115, from Playa del Rey to Norwalk, Line 246, from Willowbrook to San Pedro, and Line 720, from Santa Monica to downtown Los Angeles.
360+ bus operators in LA called out ill on Friday, about 10 % its entire workforce.
With much accountability for the perpetrators, the drivers staged the sick to protest skyrocketing cases of voiIence.
Yesterday, another driver was attacked: pic. twitter.com/Ugr9bM12iq
— End Wokeness ( @End Wokeness ) May 6, 2024″}]] [[{“value”:”
There’s chaos in the Metro as drivers throw up in response to increasing assaults on operators.
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority is feeling the heat.
Nearly 360 drivers failed to show up for work on Friday.
The agency is scrambling to fill in the gaps. They’re grabbing anyone and everyone they can to keep these dollars rolling in. I mean, to keep those buses moving.
Metro drivers have had enough of being treated as punching bags. They are now putting their foot down, and it is not on the accelerator.
@MayorOfLA and Democrat controlled California people:
To protest violent attacks, LA Metro bus drivers stage ‘sick-out’ affecting 41 bus lines – Daily News https://t.co/8VeYpDc2j7
— Eric Christen (@ericdchristen) May 4, 2024
LA Times reports
Dozens Metro bus routes were backed up Friday after hundreds drivers staged a sick out in protest at the increasing number of assaults against operators.
The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority reported that as of Friday afternoon, about 360 operators were out sick – about 10% of the drivers. This forced the agency to redeploy its instructors, field supervisors, and those who watch from control rooms into the driver’s seats.
Metro has been criticized by unionized train and bus drivers for not responding forcefully enough to violence in the system. Recent attacks have targeted drivers, including one in Willowbrook when a man stabbed an unarmed bus driver as passengers watched.
The agency recorded 168 assaults last year, a slight rise from the year before. These assaults included being spit on and stabbed.
John Ellis, who represents 6 union locals, stated in a press release that “we understand the sick-out only affected a small number of bus riders”. The International Assn. representative for 5,000 Metro bus and rail operators. The union of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers informed passengers that it recognizes their “anguish,” and that “Metro understands your frustration.” They added: “We will keep these stepping stone of safety.”
Ellis has worked with Metro’s chief executive Stephanie Wiggins on installing protective barriers. He has also advocated for the agency to have its own police force. He believes that working “hand-in-hand” with Metro leadership can improve security.
Others aren’t as sure. The union did not organize the action, but it raises serious questions about a deep-seated frustration that is brewing within its ranks. Many drivers have expressed their outrage about the attacks on social media, and they worry about their safety every day.
According to a Metro report, there were 12 attacks in February. In one case, a driver received a punch after asking a passenger to stand behind the yellow safety line at Western Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard.
A long-time bus driver, who was not authorized to speak to media, said Metro wants buses moving while drivers are worried that they won’t make it home.
The driver said that workers are worried about the new protective barriers not being bulletproof.
“Metro doesn’t really care about its drivers,” said the person.
“We are all disposable.”
Metro warned that at least 40 bus routes were affected by the shortage of staff, including Line 53 from downtown Los Angeles up to Dominguez Hills, Line 251, which runs from Eagle Rock to Lynwood, Line 115 from Playa del Rey down to Norwalk, Line 246, which runs from Willowbrook to San Pedro, and Line 720 from Santa Monica into downtown Los Angeles.
About 10% of the total bus drivers in LA, 360+ bus drivers, called out sick Friday.
The drivers staged a sick-out in protest of the skyrocketing cases oI vIIence, with little accountability for those responsible.
Yesterday, another driver was attacked: pic.twitter.com/Ugr9bM12iq
— End Wokeness @EndWokeness May 6, 2024
“}]]
