CTA FIRES 11 EMPLOYEES FOR ALLEGED CELL PHONE USE ON THE JOB
In the wake of mass transit accidents in Boston and Los Angeles caused by train operators distracted by texting while driving, the CTA enacted new regulations prohibiting the use of personal cell phones and other electronic devices while on duty.
According to exclusive reports in the Chicago Tribune, the zero-tolerance rule has led to the firing of ten CTA bus drivers and one rail employee in the last four months. Thirteen bus drivers were also suspended without pay based on "significant yet disputable evidence" against them. There have been 27 other cases where no action was taken against the employee because of insufficient evidence of a violation.
The new policy, enacted in August, has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of complaints from the public and CTA personnel regarding cell phone use by employees. Indeed, 297 complaints were filed in the first 7 months of 2009, averaging out to 42 per month. After implementing the new strict policy, however, the number of complaints between August and November totaled 69, averaging out to 17 per month.
CTA employees seem to be taking the new policy seriously, as they should; the zero-tolerance policy makes even first-time offenders eligible for dismissal.
Train operators, rail maintenance workers and rail-station customer assistants are prohibited from using or possessing personal cell phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants such as BlackBerry devices, MP3 music players, wireless headsets or any other electronic device. The same rules apply to bus drivers, unless a personal cell phone is being used to contact the CTA control center after the bus has been stopped at a curb.
The CTA encourages people to report violations of the rule by calling 888-968-7282 or emailing feedback@transitchicago.com.
