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| NYC Transit looking to hire w/pensions intact, retired train operators for short-term gigs (1286407) | |||
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NYC Transit looking to hire w/pensions intact, retired train operators for short-term gigs |
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Posted by Gold_12th on Fri Apr 18 15:20:09 2014 The New York City Transit Authority is looking to temporarily rehire retired train operators -- at the rate of pay they were getting when they retired -- to operate "work trains" and perform other duties to help bring the system back after the damage done by Hurricane Sandy.The 90-day stint -- limited so the city won't have to pay medical -- would commence in August. What's more, the new/old hires would be able to continue to receive their pension benefits. However, they would have to pay union dues. This according to a letter dated April 16 sent from the city to retired workers far and wide -- including a 23-year Transit veteran from New Dorp now living in North Carolina. "It's kind of comical," said the former Staten Islander, asking that his name not be divulged. "The city is looking to take back a bunch of doddering, old geriatrics to climb on board and run the trains. They must be hurting for help. And what ever happened to no double-dipping?" The letter -- issued from Transit's human resources office under the banner "Superstorm Sandy Train Operator Temporary Employment Opportunity" -- says there is a "critical and urgent need for fully trained and qualified operators to assist in our efforts to repair and strengthen the subway system from Superstorm Sandy." Sandy struck the city more than 18 months ago, in October 2012. The MTA press office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Allen Cappelli, the Island's representative to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said rehiring "experienced personnel was one of the options we discussed. The other option is overtime, which can get quite costly." "We are still in the middle of substantial Sandy recovery," added Cappelli. "It is something that will go on for several years. There is a need for short-term qualified personnel without incurring long periods of training." It could not be immediately learned how many former train operators the MTA is looking to rehire or, specifically, where they might be pressed into service. But the former Islander, who started out in 1987 as what was then referred to as a "motorman," and retired in 2010, said he's not going to take his old bosses up on their offer. "I like where I am," said the Islander, who is 66. "I have a good pension. I'm set." SI Advance The MTA letter: via Facebook Not the first time they do this stint. |
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