82 DDOT Bus Drivers Call In Sick
DETROIT (WWJ) - Dozens of DDOT drivers called in sick, Wednesday, resulting in delays for bus riders. It's rumored that they're taking the day off the participate in a "Day of Protest" in Lansing.
WWJ Newsradio 950's Florence Walton reports that DDOT riders should plan for 30-minute or longer delays.
She spoke with DDOT Director Lovevett Williams who said 82 bus drivers took the day off.
"As a union, they have the right to protest, but we also service the citizens of Detroit -- and that's our first priority. So, priorities need to be realigned, because service is number one," Williams said.
Williams said they're working with the staff they do have to keep things running.
"Around 4, 4:30 when we have the greatest demand, I expect that our delays might get a little longer. But we'll keep appraised of it. Every hour we're getting updates... so, we'll be following it throughout the day and through the night," she said.
The drivers were expected to participate in a rally being held in Lansing to protest Governor Rick Snyder's proposed budget cuts, and the new emergency financial law.
At a bus stop on Manchester and Woodward Avenue, WWJ's Vickie Thomas spoke with Detroiter Kim Stinson who said she waited 40 minutes for the Chicago/Davison bus.
"I heard briefly this morning that (the bus drivers) were going to call of... but it's Snyder that's screwing everything up. I mean, when he started talking about messing with people's pensions, and all that... come on now. That's a joke," Stinson said.
Stinson said the drivers could have sent an even louder message by driving the DDOT buses to Lansing, "and load 'em up with a bunch of disgruntled passengers!"
Detroit bus passenger Lumumba X said he, too, stands with the drivers.
"Existing contracts could be tossed out, okay, so they should oppose that... they must oppose it. They have to. I'm for the bus drivers... and I want to see them to what they have to do. They're not the problem," he said.
