Brothers and Sisters: Here’s the Frequently Asked Questions regarding several scenarios regarding the Coronavirus. I do not agree with the compensation aspect of the FAQ. This pandemic is not a result of our/any members negligence. I am in discussion at the highest level regarding compensation. This is not the end all to be all. The Carrier and the State consider us “Essential Employees” well the Carrier should treat and respect us as “Essential Employees”. I speak for us as Smart-TD Local 60, but it’s my opinion all Union employees at NJT who cannot work from home and are working the frontlines should be recognized and treated with respect. This goes for the Conductors and Assistant Conductors of Smart-TD Local 60, Yardmasters of Smart-TD, the Engineers of Smart-TD and the BLE, the Bus Drivers of the ATU, and the Bus Driver of Smart-TD. President Trump has called for a National Emergency, N.J. is in a State of Emergency, but all of our members still show up to work everyday exposing ourselves to possible infection of the Coronavirus. The Carrier should want healthy members reporting to work daily. The Carrier should want a member to come to work because they are fit to do so, not because financially they may have too. As stated above, I will continue to address this issue at the highest level. The compensation above is a step in the right direction, but it’s just not enough. Any question, as always call me.
In Solidarity,
Jerome
