WMATA GM Randy Clarke Responds to Union Concerns on Rail Modernization
Summary of Clarke's comments:
- "Employees are the core of what we do at Metro"
- The Red Line Modernization Program is not about getting rid of employees. It is primarily a capacity, safety, and reliability technology program. It employs technologies used around the world. The action taken by the board is not a move to quickly cut hundreds of train operators.
- Regarding safety, ten people have been hit by trains this year already, seven of which died. [Platform screen doors] are an engineering solution to prevent people from getting hit by trains and the subsequent trauma that puts on the staff.
- As part of the program, there will be a Workforce Development Plan as part of the FTA-mandated Program Management Plan. WMATA will work with closely ATU Local 689 and others on this as part of this multi-year development.
- As part of workforce planning, we plan to look at the workforce models. Around the world, people do this differently. Sometimes there are train attendants, sometimes operators, sometimes security staff. We need to work through our concept of operations at Metro, and what is the right ability for us to staff our system. That might mean some new skillsets.
- WMATA supports and is committed to language put forth in Maryland's legislature. This language states that Maryland will withhold funding should any reductions in force occur due to automation of the rail system.
u/eable2 — 17 hours ago