Transit union starts organizing city's tour bus industry

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AMNY

By REBECCA HARSHBARGER

The union that represents subway and bus workers has started organizing the tour bus industry in New York City.

Go New York Tours, which has bright green double-decker buses, joined the Transport Works Union Local 100 in April and began negotiations in July. Open Loop New York, whose buses are red, white, and blue, became part of the union on Aug. 21.

"There are a lot of safety violations," said Frank McCann, the union's senior director of organizing, about the two lines. "The potential for disaster is frightening. The industry has to be better regulated."

There are 14 tour bus companies licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs. Go New York tour guides and drivers want to get stable pay, bathroom and lunch breaks, and buses that aren't taller than DOT requirements. They are also demanding air conditioning and heat during the summer and winter months.

FULL story at link.

Read more: http://www.amny.com/transit/nyc-tour-bus-industry-to-be-regulated-by-transit-union-1.10791178

[marym625]

1. Jesus Christ on a cheese sandwich!

They don't have air conditioning or heat? That's unconscionable. I would think that no air conditioning would be dangerous on some hot summer days. I have a friend that passed out while driving on a particularly hot, humid day because he didn't have air conditioning. It was heat stroke. He was seriously injured. Luckily, no one else was hurt.

How can anyone be anti union?

K&R!