Aug 5, 2009 10:29 pm US/Central
CTA: 'Zero Tolerance' For Workers On Cell Phones
Use Of Any Electronic Device Will Be Cause For Dismisal
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
CTA train operators and bus drivers have been put on notice: one strike and you're out.
Effective immediately, any CTA transit operator could be fired if they are caught using electronic devices while on the job.
This includes the use of cellular phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), MP3/music players, wireless headsets or any other appliance or device, the CTA said in a statement.
"I've observed the use of these devices and agree that it is a distraction," said CTA President Richard L. Rodriguez. "From my conversations with customers and feedback sent to the CTA, it is clear that there is a genuine concern about the safety of using these items while driving."
CTA's decision to adopt a zero tolerance policy is consistent with industry trends, the CTA said in a news release.
Under the new policy, the use of a personal electronic device by bus or rail personnel while operating a CTA vehicle or equipment is a dischargeable offense.
On buses, use of a cellular phone while on duty only is permissible if a bus operator needs to notify the CTA control center of a problem that can't be communicated on through the system already on buses and trains.
CBS 2's Anne State went to Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308, the union that represents workers on the El.
The union's president, Robert Kelly, said, "things aren't always what they seem," when asked what he thought of passengers reporting drivers.
Kelly says he agrees, drivers shouldn't be calling or texting. But he says train drivers carry CTA-issued phones, in case of emergency or problems. He's afraid passengers will mistake them for personal devices and it could be the passenger's word versus the driver's.
"When we have to investigate, the driver is out of work for weeks," he said.
Possession and use of personal electronic devices by CTA rail operators and rail maintenance personnel who are on duty are prohibited. Rail operators and personnel are provided with CTA-issued radios and, when working in subways, are provided CTA cell phones to provide back-up communications.
Under the CTA's previous policy, an employee could accrue up to four violations before discharge was considered. With the strengthened policy, having possession of an electronic device will result in probation and a three-day suspension. Use of the device while on duty can lead to dismissal.
We set up a camera at S. Water and Michigan Ave. today for more than an hour. We saw about 60 busses and none of the drivers were talking on the phone.
If you see a violation, notify the CTA by calling 1-800-YOUR-CTA.
CBS 2's Anne State contributed to this report.
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