NJ Paratransit Drivers Want More Pay During ‘States Of Emergency’

NEWARK, NJ — Even on the best of days, it isn’t easy being a paratransit bus driver. But add a snowstorm, hurricane, pandemic or other crisis into the mix, and an already-tough job becomes gargantuan.

And according to Sheila Graham, an operator and trainer with the Newark Access Link in New Jersey, she and her peers deserve to be paid fairly when they’re forced to work during “states of emergency.”

Recently, Graham testified before the New Jersey Senate Transportation Committee in support of a proposed state law. If passed, it would require NJ Transit to pay support staff and subcontractors 1.5 times their regular rate for working during any state of emergency declared by the governor.

The bill, S-3534, would include paratransit drivers and attendants, as well as other workers such as mechanics, technical support staff or any employee covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Graham told the Senate committee that paratransit workers are among the lowest paid commercial drivers, even though they provide safe passage to thousands of New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents – many of whom can’t easily access traditional public transportation. For example, paratransit bus drivers bring seniors, people with special needs or severe illnesses to critical medical appointments, including chemotherapy and dialysis treatments.

Due to the physical and sometimes cognitive limitations of their passengers, paratransit drivers in New Jersey are required to return each person in their charge back to safety. This could take hours in extreme weather conditions like a blizzard, said Graham, a shop steward with the United Service Workers Union Local 455 (USWU-IUJAT).

“On the best of days our job is hard,” she attested. “But when there’s a snowstorm, our jobs take on a new level of difficulty.”

Graham pointed out that in August 2020, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation deeming paratransit drivers as “essential workers” during the coronavirus pandemic, meaning they would have to continue their in-person work throughout the entire state of emergency.

“We’re public servants working with the most vulnerable New Jersey residents day in and day out,” Graham said. “All we’re asking is for a little premium pay when there is a state of emergency to make the job just a little more equitable.”

IUJAT Political Director Connor Shaw said that workers like Graham are part of the social safety net that allows Garden State residents to remain in their homes and “age with dignity.”

“But we can’t simply ask them to risk their lives and walk away from their families when weather conditions are at their worst and most fearful,” Shaw urged. “Now it is time to give them the financial recognition that they deserve.”

The legislation gained unanimous committee approval. It now moves for a vote before the full New Jersey Senate.

• See related article: NJ Healthy Terminals Act Takes Off; Murphy Signs Health Care Bill

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