Home · Maps · About
Home > BusChat

[ Post a New Response | Return to the Index ]

(300300)

view threaded

Seattle Metro Transit Fined due to Lack of Bathroom Breaks for its Drivers

Posted by Andy on Sun Nov 23 22:10:58 2014

edf40wrjww2msgDetailB:detailStr
fiogf49gjkf0d
Today's NY Daily News:

http://nydn.us/1uYeH5I

Lack of bathrooms for Seattle bus drivers is causing them to resort to extreme measures like "potty dances" while driving and urine-soaked driver seats.

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries fined the King County Metro Transit company $3,500 for failing to provide bus drivers enough locations and time to adequately use the restroom, reports the Seattle Times.

The messy situation has meant some drivers were left to do the "potty dance" to keep their composure - an obvious traffic hazard, the newspaper reports. It also could affect the long term health of their kidney and digestive system, a union representative told the newspaper.

Maintenance crews actually replace about 60 urine-soaked driver seats a year, reports Crosscut. Some drivers have also worn adult diapers or carried a jar along the route to cope, the agency reported.

The issue is many routes are not near a bathroom and drivers feel pressure to not take their break in order to ensure they keep their schedule.

The company must pay the fine and submit an improvement plan by Dec. 22, Seattle Times reported.

Post a New Response

(300313)

view threaded

Re: Seattle Metro Transit Fined due to Lack of Bathroom Breaks for its Drivers

Posted by NJT Oradell on Mon Nov 24 08:55:51 2014, in response to Seattle Metro Transit Fined due to Lack of Bathroom Breaks for its Drivers, posted by Andy on Sun Nov 23 22:10:58 2014.

edf40wrjww2msgDetailB:detailStr
fiogf49gjkf0d
While I'm sure Seattle Metro won't cave in as a result of a paltry $3500 fine, it does show that something is wrong here and needs to be addressed. I learned in my career that bathroom breaks are the rule, not the exception. F*ck the schedule! But I worked runs that terminated in NYC at the PABT so I knew I would be able to stop, park and go. If I missed my trip someone else would do it. You just have to be selfish! Carrying a container was another way to ensure a bathroom break at ends of lines where no facility was available. Just getting out of the seat for a minute and walking a little before starting the next rip is beneficial. They don't care, so you have to!

Post a New Response

(300319)

view threaded

Re: Seattle Metro Transit Fined due to Lack of Bathroom Breaks for its Drivers

Posted by JohnnyMints on Mon Nov 24 12:29:05 2014, in response to Re: Seattle Metro Transit Fined due to Lack of Bathroom Breaks for its Drivers, posted by NJT Oradell on Mon Nov 24 08:55:51 2014.

edf40wrjww2msgDetailB:detailStr
fiogf49gjkf0d
Bingo. I work at Oradell Garage myself, and hey, when you have to go, you go. Holding it in is 1) a health hazard; and 2) a safety hazard (mind is focused on holding it in and attention taken away from driving). Health and safety above all, everything else second. Let them wait another few minutes, it ain't gonna kill them.

Post a New Response

(300327)

view threaded

Re: Seattle Metro Transit Fined due to Lack of Bathroom Breaks for its Drivers

Posted by Hart Bus on Mon Nov 24 13:03:30 2014, in response to Re: Seattle Metro Transit Fined due to Lack of Bathroom Breaks for its Drivers, posted by JohnnyMints on Mon Nov 24 12:29:05 2014.

edf40wrjww2msgDetailB:detailStr
fiogf49gjkf0d
You have to do what Nature tells you to do. If the bosses complain, then tell them "F*** You". If you are dismissed, go right to the State Labor Board and file a complaint.

In NYS there are mandated breaks for employees. If you get terminated for insubordination, that is viewed as retaliation and the company will be heavy fined for that and it helps you case.

I would go straight to the unemployment benefits while the case drags on.

Post a New Response


[ Return to the Message Index ]