Campaign 2010: A Closer Look At "Fix Muni Now"
(KCBS) - Almost 75,000 people in San Francisco signed the initiative petition that put Proposition G on the ballot, which is a sign of dissatisfaction with Muni in general and Muni operators in particular.
San Francisco Supervisor Sean Elsbernd's "Fix Muni Now" initiative targets Muni operators' salaries, which are by law the second highest in the nation, along with work rules that are often blamed for skyrocketing costs and service problems.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports
"It's a question of fairness, and this year is the perfect example because fares went up and service was cut, all the while drivers received a 5.5 percent pay raise," said Elsbernd.
Transport workers union secretary/treasurer Walter Scott says blame belongs at the front office, not in the bus yard.
"When did it become the operators' responsibility to balance the budget?" he asks. "Our responsibility is to take that vehicle out and drive it safely and efficiently, carrying 700,000 people around San Francisco."
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