President John Samuelsen to Local 100 Bus Operators: ‘Protect Yourself, Operate Your Bus With Extreme Caution.'
Local 100 President John Samuelsen Issued the Following Statement and Advice today in the Wake of the Outrageous Arrest of Bus Operator In Brooklyn Under Vision Zero:
""On top of all the difficulties and dangers already facing our Bus Operators, a new one now exists. Under the initiative known as Vision Zero, the Police are now stating they are mandated to arrest a Bus Operator involved in a fatal pedestrian accident. The implementation this policy, written or otherwise, that calls for our Bus Operators to be arrested for accidents is nothing short of an attack against all New York City Transit Workers.
"Under this unjust, punitive policy one of our Operators was arrested on the evening of December 23, 2014 in Brooklyn. He was charged with “failing to yield to a pedestrian.” This arrest was an absolute outrage and must not stand. Day-in and day-out, we deliver a tremendous service to this City under extremely adverse conditions. Subjecting transit workers to such treatment is nothing short of despicable. WE ARE NOT CRIMINALS!
"The resulting anger and frustration of brother and sister bus operators and depot and division officers the following morning at several depots was a powerful, spontaneous demonstration of support for the charged Bus Operator. This portion of the Vision Zero law is a travesty, and must be amended. The union will be pursuing every angle to accomplish this, and pressuring elected public officials to take immediate action.
"In the meantime, all Bus Operators throughout the City must proceed with extreme caution on the job. This means abiding by MTA regulations rigidly. Observe all traffic regulations, most importantly the new City-wide speed limit. You are under great scrutiny right now by people in positions of authority who do not care about your livliehood, or your ability to take care of your family. This is an extremely serious situation and you must respond accordingly. Do not take any chances whatsoever. If the diligent operation of your bus causes a negative impact on service, then so be it. You must operate safely at all times. That must be your focus.
"Should any member of Supervision threaten or harass you in any way to speed up service to make schedule, notify your Depot or Division officers immediately.
"Be safe. Be careful. Protect your job."