MTA to Suspend Use of Kronos Fingerscan System

March 9, 2020 -- The MTA will suspend use of the Kronos fingerscan system during the coronavirus crisis – a worker protection measure that TWU Local 100 had been pressing the authority to adopt, officials said Monday afternoon. Local 100 President Tony Utano and other Local leaders were informed of the decision by NYC Transit Labor Relations Vice President Kim Ward during a meeting at MTA headquarters. Ward said it would take a few days to carry out an orderly, systemwide shutdown. Once completed, workers will continue to swipe their passes but won’t have to touch the scanners.

The MTA decision came days after Local 100 demanded Kronos be shelved to combat the spread of the new illness. At the insistence of TWU Local 100, the MTA also announced Monday that workers will be allowed to wear masks on the job. “We will continue to look out for the interests of our members,” Utano said. “We will continue to monitor the situation very closely and provide the members with regular updates.”

If any work location does not have disinfectant wipes while the Kronos fingerscan system is still active, Local 100 members should not use it, Utano said. They should just swipe their pass. Utano was joined at the meeting by Financial Secretary-Treasurer Earl Phillips, Recording Secretary LaTonya Crisp, Vice Presidents John Chiarello, Eric Loegel, Richie Davis, Shirley Martin, J.P. Patafio, Pete Rosconi and Lynwood Whichard. Also in attendance were the Presidents of the three ATU Unions who represent MTA employees at various locations and staff.

Some Vice Presidents complained to MTA brass that some locations do not have hand sanitizer and there has not been a noticeable increase in cleaning at some worker facilities. Transit officials said they continue to ramp up the cleaning of worker facilities and work areas, and they expect a big shipment of sanitizer in the coming days.

Workers with a virus-related health concern that could affect their attendance should call their supervisor who will put them in touch with MTA medical and human resources staff. The MTA is talking about establishing a coronavirus hotline for employees.