DDOT Sickout: No Bus Routes Today

**Johnnny5** · November-04-11, 08:50 AM

The City has cut DDOT and police finances to the bone. It's not fair to blame the drivers, officers and the mechanics for the end result.

Imagine being a DDOT driver and picking up dozens of angry passengers that have been waiting for hours. In a city where people are shot over a "look" it's not much of a stretch to think that the drivers could be in serious danger from irate passengers. I sure as hell wouldn't want to be in their position.

**JBMcB** · November-04-11, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by Johnnny5

Imagine being a DDOT driver and picking up dozens of angry passengers that have been waiting for hours.

Imagine the same situation Monday, when the DDOT drivers are picking up passengers they totally abandoned today. Do you think those passengers are going to be happy?

Unless the drivers have a huge PR campaign lined up for the weekend detailing their problems with the department, with some *really* compelling argument for leaving their passengers high and dry, I don't see how this is helping their cause.

**jt1** · November-04-11, 09:34 AM

I agree with 48091, fire them all. This sick out isn't about safety, just like their work slow down isn't about ensuring the best work is done on the buses.

DDOT has shown that they care about one thing and one thing only, themselves. Hopefully when an EFM is brought in their union contracts will be voided and the drivers and maintenance workers will actually have to perform as expected and in a manner comparable to other cities.

DDOT and AFSCME are in for a rude awakening when an EFM is appointed.

**Zacha341** · November-04-11, 09:39 AM

Hmm, they should have taken note on what has gone down with DPS teachers and AFL-CIO/ DFT....

Originally Posted by jt1

I agree with 48091, fire them all. This sick out isn't about safety, just like their work slow down isn't about ensuring the best work is done on the buses.

DDOT has shown that they care about one thing and one thing only, themselves. Hopefully when an EFM is brought in their union contracts will be voided and the drivers and maintenance workers will actually have to perform as expected and in a manner comparable to other cities.

DDOT and AFSCME are in for a rude awakening when an EFM is appointed.

**Johnnny5** · November-04-11, 09:52 AM

Originally Posted by jt1

I agree with 48091, fire them all. This sick out isn't about safety, just like their work slow down isn't about ensuring the best work is done on the buses.

DDOT has shown that they care about one thing and one thing only, themselves. Hopefully when an EFM is brought in their union contracts will be voided and the drivers and maintenance workers will actually have to perform as expected and in a manner comparable to other cities.

DDOT and AFSCME are in for a rude awakening when an EFM is appointed.

Somewhere a Mackinaw Center crony is saying "I told you it would work!". Cut funding until it's impossible to effectively operate and then you have the perfect excuse to privatize.

**jt1** · November-04-11, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Johnnny5

Somewhere a Mackinaw Center crony is saying "I told you it would work!". Cut funding until it's impossible to effectively operate and then you have the perfect excuse to privatize.

I'm the last person to agree with the Mackinaw center and I do not believe core services should be privatized. That said, the actions of the drivers and the mechanics at DDOT show that they care about themselves and union negotiations and don't give two shits about the citizens.

Cutting funding is a sad reality, intentionally walking away from your job, stranding people and taking 2-3 times the time of your peers for repairs is not the fault of some conspiracy. It is the fault of the rank and file taking orders from the union to stick it to the city by negatively impacting the citizens.

**Traxus** · November-04-11, 10:38 AM

My office has a pretty good view of the Rosa Parks Transit Center and that place is barren today...

**MikeM** · November-04-11, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by jt1

I agree with 48091, fire them all. This sick out isn't about safety, just like their work slow down isn't about ensuring the best work is done on the buses.

Of course it's about safety. The bus drivers should stay on strike until the city gets cops or guards on every bus.

**Zacha341** · November-04-11, 09:41 AM

Precisely. I was on the Woodward and the driver had to get out of his seat to check someone that was arguing over the fare amount they owed. The crazy man backed down fortunately. There are going to be alot of 'tude' from riders Monday for sure.

Originally Posted by JBMcB

Imagine the same situation Monday, when the DDOT drivers are picking up passengers they totally abandoned today. Do you think those passengers are going to be happy?

Unless the drivers have a huge PR campaign lined up for the weekend detailing their problems with the department, with some *really* compelling argument for leaving their passengers high and dry, I don't see how this is helping their cause.