Just days after a video of a Washington DC Metro train operator was texting while driving surfaced
and made the news, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 689 releases the following press release.
"ATU Local 689 does not condone the use of cell phones or any personal electronic devices while
operating the Metro rail or bus services.
We fully agree with the Washington Metro Transportation Authority that such usage presents a safety
hazard.
Because safety of our members and the riding public is the number one priority of Local 689, we
are also concerned that the ongoing problems with malfunctioning radios and communications equipment provided by the Authority
adversely affect how rail and bus operators, as well as maintenance workers, perform their duties.
This potential hazard has been brought to the attention of WMATA management and requires an immediate
response.
Before issuing a blanket zero tolerance policy on cell phone usage, we urge WMATA to begin open
discussions with the Union about the broader issue of effective communications systems for and by the operators. We are
certain that a dialogue between management and workers’ representatives will net mutually beneficial solutions for the
Authority and the public that we serve."
