Editorial: Mediation called for in dispute

Monday, Jan. 27, 2003 | 8:34 a.m.

On Jan. 9 the Regional Transportation Commission voted 6-0 to extend its contract with ATC until 2008. The contract with the company that manages the Citizens Area Transit system is worth about $50 million a year. After the vote, three CAT drivers stepped to the podium with criticisms of ATC. They complained about working conditions and brought up safety issues. They told of an incident on Interstate 15, in which a wheel assembly had come loose from a bus filled with passengers. No one was hurt but the disclosure raised eyebrows. Last week ATC served these same three drivers with a strongly worded letter that the drivers are interpreting as a precursor to their dismissal.

In the letter, ATC accuses the drivers of "disparaging" the company and accuses them of trying to cause the RTC to reject or reconsider the contract extension. The letter informs the three, who are leaders of a group of their colleagues formed to protest work and safety conditions, that the company is investigating to determine how deeply they and others may have been involved in activities related to the company's contract.

We're concerned that ATC may be acting inappropriately. The three participated in an open meeting, which is their right, and their formation of a protest group does not conflict with labor law. Additionally, they raised issues that are of concern to the public, particularly their allegations of possible safety lapses. The RTC is generally reluctant to get involved with issues between ATC and the drivers. But it should make an exception in this case and mediate the dispute. If the RTC is unwilling to act, then perhaps the Legislature or County Commission should get involved. It would not be right for the drivers to be disciplined if their actions were actually in the best interests of the public.