December 11, 2007
Federal Mediator Enters Access-a-Ride Strike Talks
After drivers of Access-a-Ride vehicles went on strike yesterday, a federal mediator will step in and attempt to help negotiations along. The drivers have been unhappy with a tentative contract that put more of the burden of health care on them, which then makes a pay raise less substantial.
The strike affects about 40% of the Access-a-Ride drivers; there are about 20,500 people who use the service. MTA, which uses Access-A-Ride but is not part of negotiations, has been offering riders other options, like private ambulettes, as ways to get around.
Still, about 1,500 drivers have gone on strike, and the passengers who rely on them, many of them disabled, sick or elderly, have had to make adjustments with their commutes. One wheelchair-bound person, Marty Sesmer, told the NY Times, “It’s hard to roll the wheelchair into the bus, and once you get it inside, the wheelchair rolls over people’s feet because the bus is too crowded in the morning. I had my home-health attendant accompany me, but it was hard for me, hard for her, and over all, a huge inconvenience for everybody who didn’t have their usual van ride.”
Talks will begin at 10AM.
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get rid of unions, they aren't necessary these days. we got labor laws.
Access-a-ride operators need to learn how to drive before they let them get behind the wheel again. Lock 'em out!
I was once almost taken out by an Access-A-Ride driver while crossing the street (with the walk light) who then proceeded to yell at me. Trying to increase their client base, hmm?
Why don't they just mandate federal mediators when a union threatens to strike. It's the only way to be fair about the situation. That way no one takes advantage of anyone and people don't have to live at the mercy of the dinosaur unions. People should have someone watching out for them, but let's face it, in this day and age unions don't do anything except work for their own survival. They are an anachronism and a bunch of bullies to boot.