Support

Metro takes legal action to “implement an anti-fatigue policy”

metro
Photo by PoPville flickr user slatifolia

From WMATA:

“WMATA filed suit in U.S. District Court today to allow the Authority to implement an anti-fatigue policy designed to prevent bus and train operators, and other safety-critical employees from working seven-consecutive days.

Following a comprehensive fatigue management study in 2013, Metro created the first Fatigue Risk Management Policy in the transit industry for Metro employees in safety-critical positions, including train and bus operators. The policy provides that no employee perform work on more than six-consecutive days, and that any employee working six-consecutive days receive at least 24-hours off duty before returning to work.

“Metro must be in a position to enforce safety policies for its employees,” said General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. “A strong safety culture means that we need to be able to protect employees and passengers based on Board approved policies that are informed by science and best practices.”

Metro’s current union agreement stipulates how overtime is awarded without regard to potential fatigue situations. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with ATU Local 689, work on a day off is paid at time-and-a-half on the first day off and double time for the second day off – which is the seventh-day of work.

While Metro’s new Chief Safety Officer is reviewing safety policies related to preventing fatigue, Metro management has been phasing out the assignment of seventh-day work. To honor the spirit of the CBA, the agency is paying certain employees not to work on their seventh day, eliminating any adverse financial impacts to workers under the current agreement. Under this scenario, the next eligible employee would get the work. Despite this, Local 689 filed a grievance and took the matter to arbitration in 2016. In a split decision, arbitrators decided that the CBA superseded the fatigue policy, which became, in effect, unenforceable.”

Recent Stories

From an email: “We have an upcoming free yoga weekend event happening at Reunion 4/6-4/7: Join Reunion Hot Yoga in Park View, DC for a free weekend of yoga Saturday…

Sweet City Ride

Thanks to Mandi for sending: “1930 Oldsmobile? That’s just the best guess of someone who knows nothing about cars but faithfully attended the Iola Car Show with her dad every…

Photo by Julian Ortiz Ed. Note: If this was you, please email [email protected] so I can put you in touch with OP. “Dear PoPville, Man in Ovi jersey headed towards…

“Taylor with her duck at a dog park in Old Town.” If you have any animal/pet photos you’d like to share please send an email to princeofpetworth(at)gmail(dot)com with ‘Animal Fix’…

Calling all bookworms, thrill-seekers, supporters of the arts, and ping-pongers at all skill levels! Sign up for Paddlestar Galactica, the ping-pong tournament supporting 826DC’s youth writing programs.

826DC is a local nonprofit that offers free writing programs, homework help, and publishing opportunities for DC students ages 6-18, in our Columbia Heights writing center and in learning spaces across the city.

Paddlestar Galactica helps keep writing education 100% free and accessible for all of our students! It’s also extremely fun.

This year’s games will be Saturday, April 27th, 1 PM to 4 PM at SPIN DC. It’ll be a chaotic afternoon of ping-pong, costumes, terrible Battlestar Galactica puns, and good cheer. We’d love to have you join us!

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Well-Paid Maids, the only certified living-wage cleaning service in the DMV, has added a new service to its online booking menu: office and building cleanings.

This includes offices, building lobbies, shared amenity spaces and more throughout D.C., Arlington, Alexandria and more.

Unlike so many other cleaning services, you can feel good booking Well-Paid Maids to clean your office or building. Cleaners get paid a starting wage of $24 an hour. Plus, all employees are offered health, dental, vision and life insurance; 24 paid days off per year; 100% employer-paid commuting costs; and more.

Read More

Submit your own Announcement here.

Vakili Band at Pie Shop!

Three band rock n rolll lineup at DC’s Pie Shop! Vakili Band with “if you know, you know” DC rockers, Lot 18, and the many minds and songs of artist Kind of Christine.

“If you love Vakili Band like we

×

Subscribe to our mailing list