Watch CBS News

Phil Matier: SF Muni Sickout Didn't Stop Some Employees From Picking Up Paychecks

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency three-day operator sickout in June proved to be a nightmare for many who commute in the city.

Some 760 Muni operators called in sick, meaning hundreds of vehicles were kept off the streets, routes were delayed, there were missed runs, and angry passengers had waits of over an hour at times.

Phil Matier: Muni Sickout Didn't Stop Some Employees From Picking Up Paychecks

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said the situation needed to be investigated and the city's personnel office looked into the matter. All told, a little more than half came up with a doctor's note; those who did not could have their pay docked.

But also of interest – 60 of the operators actually picked up their paychecks from Muni headquarters on days they called in sick. City officials said they are still investigating these cases, as some of the workers may have had a valid doctor's note. If they did not, they could face the same penalty of docked pay.

Muni and its operators eventually agreed to a new contract that included a 14.25 percent raise, but also increased pension costs for the employees.

COMPLETE COVERAGE:

 

You can hear Phil Matier's comments Monday through Friday at 7:50am and 5:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.