The union representing transit workers at the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is calling for hazard pay and passenger limits on public transit vehicles.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1342 President Jeff Richardson said in a prepared statement that transit employees are essential, not expendable. He noted the COVID-19 infections and deaths reported among ATU members in New York City, and said transit workers should be paid for their bravery and providing essential service.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) act approved by Congress has provided more than $60 million in emergency funding to the NFTA, which is being used for masks, gloves, personal protective equipment and cleaning and sanitizing supplies for buses and Metro Rail cars.
Local 1342 is calling for a limit of 10 passengers on buses and one passenger on paratransit vans, while providing workers with one-and-a-half times their normal wage.