RIPTA Drivers Seek Vaccine Priority, Say No Response From Raimondo for Two Months
Friday, February 19, 2021
The union that represents RIPTA bus drivers and workers says they have implored Governor Gina Raimondo to prioritize them for vaccines — but have received no response since sending a letter two months ago.
On December 11, the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 618 reached out to Raimondo, begging for consideration as the state was putting together their vaccine plan.
“As you know, RIPTA’s employees have been working through this pandemic and have continued to keep Rhode Islanders moving throughout the state. The employees have consistently exposed themselves and their families to the risks associated with COVID-19,” wrote President Nick DeCristofaro. “As the numbers and restrictions continue to rise, operators continue to board up to 20 people on a 42x6 bus [despite state limitations on gathering size.]”
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Union official Steven Sousa told GoLocal that the union got no response from the Raimondo administration on the request for vaccine priority — or separate request for hazard pay.
“The total drivers for fixed route and para-transit are about 500 total. As far as utility, mechanical and office personnel we have about 250 more. We also represent First Student Jamestown, Johnston, and Warwick school bus yards members. They total about 250 members as well,” said Sousa.
“The number of positive cases I would have to say would be around 50 to 75 members. As far as being quarantined due to COVID, contact tracing and guidelines I would have to say that number is around 300 plus,” he added.
Joe Cole, who is the Vice President of the union, says he believes RIPTA drivers “don’t get respect.”
“Maybe we should start wearing red ties — like Rodney Dangerfield said, we get no respect,” said Cole. “We are essential workers. We are in the mix, day in, day out.”
“We have PPE, but they’re just cloth masks. The cleaning crews are prepping the busses every morning. But at the end of the day, we have to go home to our families,” said Cole.
“We’ve been called on when needed. In the historic floods in Warwick, we helped transport people out,” he said. “Now, our para-transport drivers are helping passengers in and out of vehicles, taking them to appointments. We’re literally the first ones to touch people on a daily basis.”
“We’re begging now,” he said. “This is ridiculous.”
Sousa said he recently reached out to Lt. Governor Dan McKee's Chief of Staff Tony Silva.
"I know they're busy but we hope to hear back soon," he said.
Raimondo's office did not respond to request for comment at time of publication.
