1181 Drivers Forum

Posted upon request. Please note: This is completely anonymous.

I for one will return to work. These are trying times and I am hopeful the DOE and PIONEER will do the right thing.

The summer accrual is one thing, but to also not receive the opt out money is a real punch in the gut! That is one thing that really benefits Neil and that is something that should've been set aside for the employees. That's like lending somebody money, and when it comes time to get paid back, they say "fuck you you ain't getting it."

Why is it that this has been read nearly 100 times yet only 11 votes so far? I want to send the results to the union as a strong indication of the mindset out there. I'm not saying this will determine their course of action (which would ultimately be up to us) but this is your chance to make your opinion count. VOTE!

Believe me, this is even more anonymous that when you cast a paper ballot in the drivers room.




                                             

Buzz
I lost you. Vote on what?

Quote from: PROUD MEMBER on July 04, 2020, 01:30:29 AM
Buzz
I lost you. Vote on what?

The poll above.

Return to work

Quote from: PROUD MEMBER on July 04, 2020, 02:19:26 AM
Return to work

You vote up top ... surprised to hear you say that.

Quote from: Buzz on July 04, 2020, 02:43:59 AM

Quote from: PROUD MEMBER on July 04, 2020, 02:19:26 AM
Return to work

You vote up top ... surprised to hear you say that.

A way to keep the runs the way they are without doing extreme social distancing is leave the amount of kids on the bus the way they were. Think about it, if a mask stops the spread just have all the kids wear a mask on the bus. Why create havoc by having us do multiple runs OR the same run two times if they want to have kids every other seat which would cause two trips for the same run. All I know is that we as a company can't sit back, we need to take action for our safety which includes plexiglas and PPE. If the MTA can do it so can we. Get the mechanics in the yard and start putting them in. We have from now until September so we are at least ready. As I stated before this can't be put together last minute on our end.

For example I have 3 schools in the afternoon.....Jewish school 8 kids I can do that in one shot. Another school 13 kids possibly done in one shot....another school 22 kids. That's gotta be done in two trips? Who's to decide who goes on the first group. Also in the AM run, 22 kids, who's two say which 11-13 get on the bus first. Runs are going to be adjusted big time and going to be a headache. Just let it be known all kids wear a mask so the runs aren't hitting a dramatic change.

I believe that the MTA is installing curtains not plexiglass. Obviously on the school bus our safety and the children's safety is the number priority which it has been since the school bus was invented and not to make light of this Pandemic (especially me bc I'm cautious as can be) but if we use our common sense the chances of catching this Virus is probably less than catching anything else. After all we are Professional Drivers. I seriously doubt that the BOE is going to say no more than 11 or even 22 children on the bus. If they want to be that cautious (nothing wrong with that), then they would make more runs with less kids on the bus. I doubt that they would leave runs with 22 or more children and leave it up to the contractors to split up. To much chaos. The MTA doesn't limit the amount of passengers on the buses (as of now) and I would assume the chances of catching the virus are much more on an MTA bus as opposed to a School bus. Only time will tell.
Happy 4th to All
God Bless

Quote from: PROUD MEMBER on July 04, 2020, 07:40:47 PM
After all we are Professional Drivers. I seriously doubt that the BOE is going to say no more than 11 or even 22 children on the bus.

I don't think being professional drivers makes us less susceptible to catching the virus. The number 22 is what the DOE suggested in their survey as to whether a parent would feel comfortable putting their child on a bus with that number of children.

All monies due to us paid then ready for work

Quote from: Buzz on July 06, 2020, 10:20:53 AM

Quote from: PROUD MEMBER on July 04, 2020, 07:40:47 PM
After all we are Professional Drivers. I seriously doubt that the BOE is going to say no more than 11 or even 22 children on the bus.

I don't think being professional drivers makes us less susceptible to catching the virus. The number 22 is what the DOE suggested in their survey as to whether a parent would feel comfortable putting their child on a bus with that number of children.

💯

It will be what it will be. The Governor & the Mayor also said no gathering of more than 50 people (I think that was the number) yet they literally let HUNDREDS & THOUSANDS of protesters gather in the streets of NYC for weeks. If it's 11 or 22 then (in my opinion) when the runs come out before school starts they will have to show 11 or 22 on the run.
On top of the already shortage of drivers. Contractors and/or drivers will have to figure out how to break runs up. Which leads to what children get picked up and which children get passed up. To much confusion, to many children left at stops for hours and to many parents cursing!

The city has also floated the idea of alternating days (or weeks) of in-school and at-home learning ... which would mean you would have half the number of kids on any given day. From a transportation standpoint this would make the most sense to me.

if they decide on a plan either way it is going to be a complete mess.... i just hope they extend this UE by the end of the month,and also extra regular UE weeks... a lot of us the 26 weeks period is coming up fast...lets hope for the best ... im scared we wont see buses on the road till we get a vaccine...  does anyone know as it stands right now are we going to be able to have our UE (504.00) extended past the 26 weeks , not the 600 that ends on 7-26-2020 ...

I believe it was extended to 39 weeks...when I last checked my BYE date it was extended by 13 weeks...

"On March 27, 2020, a law was signed that provides additional Unemployment Insurance assistance to workers impacted by COVID-19. This means that you may qualify to receive: Up to 39 weeks of UI benefits"

Quote from: Eucerin on July 07, 2020, 02:51:40 PM
I believe it was extended to 39 weeks...when I last checked my BYE date it was extended by 13 weeks...

"On March 27, 2020, a law was signed that provides additional Unemployment Insurance assistance to workers impacted by COVID-19. This means that you may qualify to receive: Up to 39 weeks of UI benefits"

Yes, but the the $600 federal money.  :'( :'( :'(

Quote from: Buzz on July 07, 2020, 03:32:31 PM

Quote from: Eucerin on July 07, 2020, 02:51:40 PM
I believe it was extended to 39 weeks...when I last checked my BYE date it was extended by 13 weeks...

"On March 27, 2020, a law was signed that provides additional Unemployment Insurance assistance to workers impacted by COVID-19. This means that you may qualify to receive: Up to 39 weeks of UI benefits"

Yes, but the the $600 federal money.  :'( :'( :'(

I opened my file last August 12, my date ends August 16. And it says I have 48 days left. I assume when my days left hits 0 is when I re open another claim. Also I heard on Fox News someone close to Trump they aren't looking to extend the extra 600 given the country is reopening up. But we shall see.

Let's face reality if the Country doesn't open back up where will the Federal, State and Local governments keep getting these monies to keep paying unemployment and other benefits. Without income, sales and other taxes we don't have a Country!

Quote from: PROUD MEMBER on July 07, 2020, 11:51:44 PM
Let's face reality if the Country doesn't open back up where will the Federal, State and Local governments keep getting these monies to keep paying unemployment and other benefits. Without income, sales and other taxes we don't have a Country!

Exactly what the dems want. Keep the country in shambles until the election.

The mayor and chancellor put out their return to work school procedures today with regards to basically everything from remote learning and brick & mortar learning with no mention of how school busing will operate.

Quote from: PROUD MEMBER on July 08, 2020, 05:11:56 PM
The mayor and chancellor put out their return to work school procedures today with regards to basically everything from remote learning and brick & mortar learning with no mention of how school busing will operate.

i was hoping a reporter asked about  buses but no a single question...seems everyone forgot about buses

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/new-york-city-public-schools-blended-split-schedule-remote-learning-classroom

Pioneer needs to step on the gas with putting a plan together for the drivers,
Matrons and buses

How can he possibly make a call for the whole year?

Quote from: wheresmymoney! on July 08, 2020, 07:15:39 PM
How can he possibly make a call for the whole year?

So in other words if he doesn't think it's safe to return to the buildings they will remote learn from September-January 🤦🏻‍♂️ then do blended learning January on

Your misunderstanding the plan. When they say not fully open they mean that students will attend on a part time basis.  ie: A student will attend school 3 days the first week, the following week that same student will attend school 2 days, the 3rd week that same student will attend school 3 days again so on and so forth alternating.  This would start in Sept.  That is what they mean by not being fully open. If you do the math each student will be attending school 5 out of 10 school days, thereby reducing attendance in school by 50%. Also reducing school bus capacity

Sorry I missed a second proposal of students returning at 33% capacity. The first as stated was 2 days first week 3 days 2nd week etc.at 50 %.  The 2nd plan would be a student attend 2 days the 1st week then 1 day the 2nd week etc. giving an attendance of 33%

Quote from: steady on July 09, 2020, 12:50:42 AM
Sorry I missed a second proposal of students returning at 33% capacity. The first as stated was 2 days first week 3 days 2nd week etc.at 50 %.  The 2nd plan would be a student attend 2 days the 1st week then 1 day the 2nd week etc. giving an attendance of 33%

well according to one of the plans which are similar to others It's insane....so Monday is the alternating week day. Group A Tuesday/Friday Group B Wednesday/Thursday, the days they aren't in they remote learn,and they rotate on mondays. You can opt in for full remote learning as well. Once again no mention of busing. All I know is bus companies need to get the ball rolling as well and not put together a last minute plan

The way I understand it, half the kids will alternate going to school 2 days one week, 3 days the next week. This would cut the number of kids in half. Whether half can be done in one trip according to whatever number they set as acceptable would depend on the run.

It stands to reason if the DOE is going to mandate which students on which days are gonna go to school and how many students are gonna be in each classroom that OPT will make the runs so that social distancing is also in place on the school buses. If they're gonna set up classrooms with only 12 people then I'd assume their gonna set up runs with only 12 people on the bus.

Quote from: PROUD MEMBER on July 09, 2020, 04:09:57 AM
It stands to reason if the DOE is going to mandate which students on which days are gonna go to school and how many students are gonna be in each classroom that OPT will make the runs so that social distancing is also in place on the school buses. If they're gonna set up classrooms with only 12 people then I'd assume their gonna set up runs with only 12 people on the bus.

Less kids in the building hopefully means not multiple trips for the same
Run

I for one will return to work. I am hopeful PIONEER will do the right thing. Obviously if they don't have enough routes due to parents taking the kids to school, SNR drivers will be hired before newbies.

3 SI Catholic Elementary schools just closed their doors for permanently. I'm sure that's not good for social distancing. I don't know the exact number but I have to guess that's around  500 students that are going to placed in different schools.

No matter how they alternate it they will need bussing every day

Let's say one of the kids on my bus has covid.  Is someone going to notify me?  And who would it be?   And since I was in contact with someone with covid, the office is going to tell me that I should quarantine for 14 days.  Do I get paid for that time or do I lose 14 days of pay?  Do I go on Workmans Comp since it happened on the job?

Quote from: Uncle OhNee on July 10, 2020, 01:08:55 AM
Let's say one of the kids on my bus has covid.  Is someone going to notify me?  And who would it be?   And since I was in contact with someone with covid, the office is going to tell me that I should quarantine for 14 days.  Do I get paid for that time or do I lose 14 days of pay?  Do I go on Workmans Comp since it happened on the job?

According to COVID proposals we are supposed to go in 14 day quarantine and get paid for it

Quote from: PROUD MEMBER on July 09, 2020, 07:17:57 PM
3 SI Catholic Elementary schools just closed their doors for permanently. I'm sure that's not good for social distancing. I don't know the exact number but I have to guess that's around  500 students that are going to placed in different schools.

"The following Catholic schools in the New York Archiocese will not reopen:

--Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St. Benedicta School, Staten Island

--St. Joseph-St. Thomas School, Staten Island

--Sts. Peter & Paul School, Staten Island"

https://abc7ny.com/what-catholic-schools-are-closing-school-closings-nyc-which-2020/6309217/


Surprised that St. Joe St. Tom is on that list.


On other websites ... don't know how accurate ... I found these enrollment figures:

--Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St. Benedicta School ... 170

--St. Joseph-St. Thomas School ...238

--Sts. Peter & Paul School ... 250

Quote from: WigWag16 on July 10, 2020, 01:24:05 AM

According to COVID proposals we are supposed to go in 14 day quarantine and get paid for it

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for that to happen.

Quote from: WigWag16 on July 10, 2020, 01:24:05 AM

Quote from: Uncle OhNee on July 10, 2020, 01:08:55 AM
Let's say one of the kids on my bus has covid.  Is someone going to notify me?  And who would it be?   And since I was in contact with someone with covid, the office is going to tell me that I should quarantine for 14 days.  Do I get paid for that time or do I lose 14 days of pay?  Do I go on Workmans Comp since it happened on the job?

According to COVID proposals we are supposed to go in 14 day quarantine and get paid for it

Thanks for the reply.  You are 100% right.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2020/03/19/trump-coronavirus-sick-leave/#15a896c3f0ac



VOTE FOR TRUMP

According to COVID proposals we are supposed to go in 14 day quarantine and get paid for it

The key word here is PROPOSALS

Quote from: Uncle OhNee on July 10, 2020, 01:34:25 AM
Thanks for the reply.  You are 100% right.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2020/03/19/trump-coronavirus-sick-leave/#15a896c3f0ac

Did you read the part that says, "Who doesn't qualify for paid sick leave?

Not everyone qualifies for paid sick leave benefits under this new law. Here's who is not eligible:

    You work at a company with 500 or more employees."

Quote from: PROUD MEMBER on July 10, 2020, 01:35:09 AM
According to COVID proposals we are supposed to go in 14 day quarantine and get paid for it

The key word here is PROPOSALS

Yeah, that what I read and why I said I wouldn't hold my breath.

I think someone is getting confused with Trump's legislation regarding same, which wouldn't apply to us.

Let's go back to my original post.



Let's say one of the kids on my bus has covid.  Is someone going to notify me?  And who would it be?   And since I was in contact with someone with covid, the office is going to tell me that I should quarantine for 14 days.  Do I get paid for that time or do I lose 14 days of pay?  Do I go on Workmans Comp since it happened on the job?

I would assume that if NYS "mandates"  a 14 day quarantine that it would depend on what New York State also mandates or doesn't as far as someone getting paid and/or what our Union agrees to with the contractors. I myself believe that if you do not get full pay then you should get workers compensation because it happened on the job. Again that all depends if or if not the Union makes any agreements (not proposals) with the contractors specifically pertaining to this matter.

Quote from: PROUD MEMBER on July 10, 2020, 03:08:48 PM
I would assume that if NYS "mandates"  a 14 day quarantine that it would depend on what New York State also mandates or doesn't as far as someone getting paid and/or what our Union agrees to with the contractors. I myself believe that if you do not get full pay then you should get workers compensation because it happened on the job. Again that all depends if or if not the Union makes any agreements (not proposals) with the contractors specifically pertaining to this matter.

Problem is, there is no way to prove that you contracted the virus on the job.

It has nothing to do whether you have COVID-19 or not and if you do have it if you contracted it on the bus. If a child on your bus comes up positive then according to the state and depending on our union's agreement with the contractors if you have to quarantine for 14 days then it's something that happened on the job and you should get Worker's Compensation at the least.

Thanks.  Apparently my post wasn't clear enough.   

Quote from: PROUD MEMBER on July 10, 2020, 05:15:44 PM
It has nothing to do whether you have COVID-19 or not and if you do have it if you contracted it on the bus. If a child on your bus comes up positive then according to the state and depending on our union's agreement with the contractors if you have to quarantine for 14 days then it's something that happened on the job and you should get Worker's Compensation at the least.

OK, I see what you and Uncle OhNee are saying. Yes, if a kid on your bus is positive, then yes, you're supposed to quarantine.

Before school was closed, if you recall, a driver was told to quarantine because he was in contact with his son who was infected. As far as I know, he received regular pay. Whether this set a precedent remains to be seen.

Quote from: Uncle OhNee on July 10, 2020, 05:54:33 PM
Thanks.  Apparently my post wasn't clear enough.

It was ... just read through it too fast the first time.