Staff Report #8
April 24, 2019
To All Commissioners
Re: 2019 Work Program – Operations – First Quarter Update
Recommendation
The report be NOTED and FILED.
Background
The following report is provided as an update on major Operations projects as set out in the 2019 Work Program that are ongoing in nature and/or were scheduled to commence and/or be completed over the first three months of 2019, with the lead on same being the primary responsibility of the Operations Department.
Expect Respect Working Group
The London Transit Commission (LTC) and the Amalgamated Transit Union, local 741 recognize that a workplace that provides an atmosphere of mutual respect amongst employees, customers of the services and other parties LTC and its employees come in contact within the course of business/work, contributes to the ultimate success of the organization.
Mutual Respect is defined as treating one another as individuals, with consideration and esteem. Breaches of mutual respect may create an environment that is intimidating, humiliating, hostile or offensive. In addition, if not dealt with, breaches of mutual respect may lead to workplace violence, accordingly:
- all employees are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects mutual respect both of one another as employees, of customers of the services and of others the LTC and its employees come in contact with in the course of business/work; and
- all customers of the services and other that are in contact with the LTC and its employees in the course of business/work are in turn expected to be respectful of employees of the LTC and of other customers of the service.
Notwithstanding these expectations, situations occur that are contrary, and while there are policies and procedures in place to deal with these instances, the parties believe that more can be done to enhance and improve the atmosphere of mutual respect amongst employees, customers and other parties employees come into contact with during the course of business/work.
LTC administration and the ATU Local 741 Executive have announced the formation of a working group – Expect Respect, which will include representatives from all areas of the organization. The group will be tasked with identifying the underlying issues related to the lack of mutual respect/acceptable conduct between employees, customers and others, and developing/recommending initiatives intended to address these issues. The Commission will be provided with updates on the progress of this committee as work progresses.
King St Cycle Lanes
As set out in Staff Report #5 – 2019 Road Construction Update dated April 24, 2019, construction work has begun on the King Street cycle track which will see the implementation of five new transit islands at three stops on King Street between Ridout and Clarence Street, two islands at Talbot and Richmond, and one at Clarence. The creation of the transit islands will present some operational issues with respect to ensuring passengers know where to catch the bus, especially those with visual impairments. In order to mitigate potential issues, a communication campaign has been developed including information on social media, the website and stop level notices. In addition, an LTC representative will be in the core between April 11 and April 26, 2019 to advise passengers of the changes and answer any questions they may have. Information has also been provided to the CNIB to be shared with their clients. The first transit islands at King and Talbot became operational on Tuesday April 16, 2019. The remaining islands will be put into service as the work is completed and is anticipated to be completed by April 30, 2019.
Recommended by:
Shawn Wilson, Director of Operations
Concurred in by:
Kelly S. Paleczny, General Manager