HARRISBURG, PA (NOV. 26, 2004) -- Pennsylvania Turnpike Officials said
today that Turnpike operations, including toll collection by some 220
Turnpike management employees, during a three-day-old strike are running
smoothly with no major problems or complications.
About 1,800 union employees, represented by Teamsters locals 77 and 250
have been on strike since 4 a.m. Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving,
the Turnpike's busiest travel day of the year. They have been working
under a contract that expired September 30, 2003.
Joe Brimmeier, Chief Executive Officer, said, "Our managers are doing a
fantastic job at the toll lanes, collecting fares efficiently and
maintaining smooth traffic flows at our interchanges. Working over the
Thanksgiving holiday, on 12 hour shifts, is requiring sacrifices on the
part of our managers, and they are doing so without complaint."
In addition he said that nearly fifty temporary workers have been hired
to work as toll collectors. "As days pass and if the strike has not
been settled, that number will increase. We must do whatever is
necessary to ensure that the Turnpike remains open for our customers,
that tolls are collected and that we maintain the safe and efficient
flow of traffic," Brimmeier said.
"We are also mindful that Mother Nature may decide to visit and present
us with snow, sleet or ice, particularly in the two snowbelt areas of
the highway in western Pennsylvania and northeastern Pennsylvania,"
said Brimmeier. "We are prepared for that scenario as well and will
have Turnpike maintenance foreman and assistant foremen operating snow
removal equipment." He added that temporary workers with Commercial
Drivers Licenses are also being trained to operate snow removal equipment.
Brimmeier reported that management has made overtures to the union's
negotiating team to resume talks, but has received no response. "The
last time we or any member of the Commission had contact with union
leadership was on Wednesday at 9 p.m., 17 hours after the union walkout.
Although we've tried, we haven't heard a thing from the union since."
Flat fares of $2 for passenger vehicles and $15 for commercials vehicles,
regardless of distance traveled, are back in effect following a 24-hour toll
free period Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving Day that helped accommodate
traffic volumes reaching 650,000. No toll tickets are being issued at entry.
E-ZPass customers will pay a maximum fare of $2 for passenger vehicles and
$15 for commercial vehicles. If the regular fare is less that the temporary
flat rate, E-ZPass customers will be charged the smaller fee.
Brimmeier said that usage of E-ZPass has contributed significantly to the
maintenance of smooth traffic adding that the rate of E-ZPass applications
has nearly doubled since talk of a work stoppage began several weeks ago.
E-ZPass applications are available at all manned toll lanes and toll plazas.
Customers can also sign up for E-ZPass by visiting the Turnpike website at
www.paturnpike.com. or by calling toll free 1-877-736 - 6727.
|
