The head of the union representing London Transit employees says more needs to be done to ensure bus riders are wearing masks after seven staffers tested positive for COVID-19.
Michael Gauthier, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 741 (ATU), confirmed the cases among his membership were identified late last week and at the start of this week. Those who tested positive work in several different departments and include some drivers.
"The membership is growing increasingly weary to the point of some fearing coming to work," said Gauthier.
Despite the number of workers who've tested positive, the London Transit Commission (LTC) has been able to maintain its service levels with all routes running as usual. But if the number of transit employees infected was to go up, service adjustments could become necessary, Gauthier added.
One step that could be taken to better protect drivers is face covering enforcement on city buses.
"We would like to see better policing of the mandatory masks for riders, which has never happened and is not the company’s fault as it is not their order," said Gauthier. "As well, prioritizing vaccinations for those who want it amongst our membership, we feel would help lessen the chance of contracting the virus."
The LTC has approximately 615 employees.
In light of the recent COVID-19 cases, transit officials are now requiring workers to wear masks at all times while on the job. Prior to Wednesday, bus drivers could remove their face covering once behind the Plexiglas barrier that separaste them from riders on city buses. Staff were also permitted to go mask free outside of shared workspaces and common areas.
Plexiglas barriers were installed on buses last summer and riders are required to main a one-way traffic flow on board by entering through the front door and exiting through the back door. All buses are cleaned and disinfected nightly.
