SLOWDOWN! TWU flyer urges extra care at stations
PETE DONOHUE
Monday, January 30, 2012
WITH CONTRACT talks at a standstill, the transit workers union is expected to start suggesting that subway motormen slow down their trains.
Transport Workers Union Local 100 has drafted a flyer telling train operators to use extra care when entering stations to avoid hitting anyone who might wind up on the tracks.
The stated goal is to prevent some of the all-too common deaths that happen when people fall or jump from platforms.
The flyer cites a particularly deadly weekend this month when three people were killed in separate incidents by trains roaring into stations. A fourth was killed walking along tracks in between stations.
The safety tips come as Local 100 leaders have become increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as the MTAs unfair and inflexible demands.
Under the states Taylor Law, it is illegal for public transit workers in New York to even plan a strike or a work slowdown. Those tactics can lead to fines against workers and the union.
Its not illegal to urge workers to be extra careful in the name of public safety, but the timing of the flyer which will be distributed Monday will raise eyebrows.
While four fatalities in one weekend garnered headlines and public attention, underground tragedies are not uncommon. Trains injure or kill dozens each year, but the union doesnt normally send out safety notices.
One veteran labor lawyer called the flyer fascinating because it could mean the union is giving motormen cover for venting frustration over the contract by providing an excuse for slowing trains.
The contract between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Local 100 expired Jan. 15. The two sides have continued to negotiate for a new deal, but are in a stalemate over raises connected to cost-cutting measures.
The MTA contends wage increases are possible, but only if paid for by savings from work-rule changes or other measures.
The union seems open to cost-cutting concessions to help the MTA close any budget gaps. Local 100 President John Samuelsen, however, has said workers reject the premise that the MTA which has a $12.6 billion operating budget cant kick in some money to help its employees keep pace with inflation.
The flyer makes no mention of MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota or contract negotiations. It appears to have been very carefully crafted, with no specific direction on slowing down when entering a station.
We might prevent some incidents, especially those where a passenger jumps, falls or is pushed in front of an oncoming train, it states.
Then, in bold print, it continues: Train operators can increase their reaction time by entering stations with extra care.
If anyone missed the point, its repeated almost immediately in the text:
So, in the interest of safety, train operators should enter stations, especially crowded stations, with enhanced care. Even if we prevent one tragedy, it would be worth it.
Samuelsen insisted the flyer is "strictly in response" to a recent uptick in trains hitting riders and said the MTA not the union should have issued it.
Its not designed to interfere with train service, but to protect the riding public , and that should be clear to everyone, he said.
pdonohue@nydailynews.com