Safer Working Conditions For CDT Paratransit Workers

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We the dedicated hard working employees of Cook-Dupage transportation are terrified. In these unprecedented times, it's hard to imagine that CDT management would take the safety of its workforce so lightly but this is the growing fear of the workforce. Almost daily, rumors abound about coworkers having contract Covid19. Then to only have them sustantiated later after possible exposure could have been avoided with timely notification in some reasonable manner. There have been 4 documented deaths of coworkers. Because of the newness of this virus, we cannot say these deaths were or weren't caused by the virus with certainty. Scientists are learning new consequences of contracting this virus all the time. The most basic CDC guidelines aren't even enforced. Social distancing and proper sanitization of all work areas. One instance the assistant manager put 3 drivers into a cubical to do paperwork. Subsequently, one driver tested positive and the other 2 had to quarantine. Drivers are forced to remain in the building when completing shifts where social distancing is almost impossible. When vehicles return to base,the drivers side and dashboard are wiped down only. The simple changing of the rag isn't even being done. Management says they have a machine which will sanitize entire vehicle, but they don't ensure its usage or monitor the cleaning of vehicles consistently. Then the same driver drives the vehicle to gas up and park for the next driver and passengers. Office work areas aren't cleaned after every shift. They have coworkers who are on light duty administering temperature checks but this reportedly isn't done most times in the early morning and management doesn't seem to be monitoring this assignment. We keep being told we can't make the clients wear mask but at what cost. Please understand how disheartening this is to drivers. Everday we take the wheel we put our lives on the line. All we ask is to be protected in every way possible. We wear masks to protect the clients so why can't we get the same consideration. After voicing our concerns to you earlier we unfortunately find ourselves reaching out to you again. a m about want cleaning and disinfecting of all work areas and vehicles done on a daily basis. We want masks, gloves, and uniform coverings distributed to all employees not just management. Hazard pay for all essential workers to be implemented now. Paid leave for all Covid19 infected employees past and future. Implementation of all CDC and Illinois Health dept. directives regarding employee safety while working without being subjected to discipline. These demands are not just for the safety of the employees but also the disabled public we service.

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