LA Metro warns of service delays amid staged 'sick out' by bus operators

Possible Metro sick-out amid wave of violence

At least 20 bus operators may stage a sick-out due a recent wave of violence.

LOS ANGELES - On Friday, LA Metro officials warned of "significant delays" after bus operators staged a "sick out" demanding safer working conditions.

They became aware of the demonstration Thursday as Metro bus drivers across Southern California have been a target of assaults, mostly coming at random or from alleged attackers with mental health concerns.

"We may experience significant delays this morning on the following bus lines due to staff shortages: 18, 40, 53, 66, 78, 81, 94, 111, 115, 212, 251, 260, 267 and 720," Metro said in a social media post.

According to Metro, 10% of bus operators called in sick; that represents 360 operators.

Due to the shortage, they said buses are being evenly spread out to compensate for service impacts.service.

Ahead of the sick-out, FOX 11 reached out to Metro for comment and the agency issued a statement discouraging bus operators from calling in sick for the sake of sending a message, saying it would negatively impact the riders.

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Below is a statement released by Metro:

"Bus operators are the face of Metro to more than 80% of Metro riders. They are the lifeblood of the Metro organization. We understand their and their families’ fear in the face of the senseless assaults some have experienced primarily resulting from the twin crises of untreated mental illness and drug addiction. We share their frustration and have expedited the installation of barriers to keep them safe, as well as the re-deployment of safety and security personnel on board buses to deter assaults. At the same time, we are working on longer term plans, which include the addition of even more dedicated transit security bus riding teams.

However, transit riders throughout Los Angeles County depend on the Metro Bus and Rail network every day to reach critical destinations including work, school, and medical facilities, and to care for their friends and family members. We appeal to our operators to reconsider the impact their plan to call in sick will have on some of the most vulnerable people in the county.

Transit operators who intentionally plan to call in sick put our customers at risk. Further, it is a violation of Metro’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, so we hope they will reconsider."

LA Metro bus drivers may stage 'sick out'

LA Metro responded to its bus drivers possibly staging a "sick out." The potential demonstration comes as bus drivers have begun to sound the alarm on recent violent incidents taking place on public transit.

Metro officials added they will keep passengers updated.

On Friday afternoon, Metro released the following statement:

"We understand the sick out affected a small percentage of bus riders. We want SMART Union members to know, we recognize your anguish and Metro sees your frustration. We will continue these stepping stones of safety. MTA CEO Stephanie Wiggins and I met this afternoon to solidify our ongoing commitment to work together to improve safety on the Metro transit system. I stand by my previous statement and am confident that by working hand in hand, we can achieve our goal. Our SMART Union Committee, which includes 6 Local Chairmen will not stop advocating for the safety and well-being of our members, all Metro employees, and customers alike."