Amalgamated Transit Union Local 659 President Steve Bradshaw sent a clear message Wednesday to bus drivers in Edmonton who feel the transit system is unsafe — do not talk to the Western Standard about it.."A far-right propaganda outlet posing as journalists is soliciting gripes and complaints from ETS operators with which to harass Mayor Sohi," Bradshaw said in a letter and mass text to workers titled "Western Standard Propaganda."."We all want better safety and security on our transit system and much effort is being expended to get us there. In the meantime, this so-called 'news source' is promising anonymity and confidentiality to operators who share stories with them."."Let’s be clear: once you provide your personal information to them, it is out of your control. And you’ll be in their database and on their mailing list," Bradshaw said.."Please remember that the Code of Conduct is still in play. Anything you say can and will be used against you. People have been fired from ETS for simple slips on their social media. PLEASE, let your Union do the speaking for you.".However, despite the message to silence drivers about unsafe work conditions, some elected to speak with the Western Standard during a meeting on the weekend. Their names are withheld.."HIRE more transit peace officers," the drivers said.."Get rid of the yellow jacket security guards, and have a transit peace officer for every station. Two yellow jacket security guards wages can pay one officer, and they will be able to ticket drug use, and drinking.".The drivers also said transit centres need to police the proof of payment zone.."Those loitering without fare should be ticketed and removed. Secure turn style (enter with payment) in LRT stations especially downtown," the drivers said.."Free homeless shelter transportation buses SHOULD pick up AWAY from transit centres, to avoid the homeless loitering for the ride and causing problems.".They also mentioned how Hope Mission and Boyle Street emergency vehicles should only be permitted in transit centres only to help remove people.."NOT to give out food and drink. Homeless wait and loiter waiting for freebies," the drivers said..The drivers provided details about how they face abuse and racism from non-paying riders constantly in Edmonton. When they ask for the fare to be paid, the unpaying rider will claim "racism" by the driver and that they are being "picked on.".Workers are afraid of what the system has become and feel for the paying riders who have to deal with people smoking meth and other drugs while on the bus and trains. They also mentioned how the non-paying riders rob, assault, and use the bathroom on the buses..Many workers are afraid for their lives on a daily basis.."Someone will eventually get injured," the drivers said.."In December’s budget deliberations, funding was put in place for 35 new TPOs. This will reduce the amount of overtime fatigue in the corps, enhance the COTT teams, the T-CATs," Bradshaw said in the letter sent to drivers.."They also put up funding for more affordable housing, emergency housing. But we need the federal and provincial governments to step in and do their part. The city is limited by the budget the Province allows them, but they’re doing their best. Please let your Union speak on your behalf.".The Western Standard reached out to Bradshaw for comment but hasn't heard back.
