And since they’re unionized the chances of them being fired is somewhere between zero and not a chance.
(Examiner) — Senator Joe Kyrillos (R-13-Monmouth) today called for the immediate termination of 17 paratransit workers who apparently left 174 would-be passengers waiting for buses that never came on the day of the two clashing rallies in Trenton.
The senator issued this press release at about 6:05 p.m. today, in response to reports like this one, in the Asbury Park Press, describing the apparent coordinated sick-out by 17 workers for Monmouth County SCAT (Special Citizens’ Area Transportation). Apparently all 17 of them, including 14 bus drivers, called in sick that day without notice. 174 passengers waited for buses that never arrived, and SCAT supervisors had to scramble to transport some of them to urgent medical appointments, including dialysis sessions.
It is outrageous that 174 disabled and elderly clients who depend on SCAT were stranded by what appears to be a coordinated effort by employees to disrupt service without notice. The actions of these workers is completely unbecoming of any public servant, and should make every taxpayer in Monmouth County furious. CWA, the union representing these employees, needs to denounce their members for putting the well-being of these vulnerable individuals at risk, and the employees in question should be fired.
The APP report said initially that no one knew any reason for a labor action on their part. The Communications Workers of America, who represents the 17, has no pending contract negotiations or grievances. CWA officials were not available for comment.