The National Confederation of Transport Unions – NCTU believes that public transport workers should be treated as partners in addressing the present transport crisis we face in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic. Rather than viewing our jeepney, bus, UV, and other public transport drivers as problems, we urge the government as well as the general public to view us as allies in coming up with effective solutions to make sure that we are able to commute safely, comfortable and consistently in the midst of Covid.
The DOTr’s current strategy of gradually reducing the extent of social distancing measures in existing public transport is symptomatic of the lack of consultation with public transport workers. Why would the department propose the reduction of social distancing, putting commuters at greater risk of getting infected with Covid, when thousands of jeepneys and UVs could once again be allowed back in the streets? Why pretend that the thousands of jeepney and UV drivers currently without employment are not part of the solution to the transport crisis?
There is a need to talk to, not talk over our transport workers. NCTU demands that the government recognize transport workers as legitimate stakeholders to the transportation problem. We believe that transport workers should be represented in policy and decision-making on transportation matters. The solution to the inhuman commute that we experience on a daily basis (made worse by the present situation) is in front of us. Allow all public transport vehicles to once again roam the streets. There is no point in keeping thousands of drivers unemployed, while thousands more suffer a terrible commute.
Include the drivers and operators in the discussion, we can and should be part of the solution.