First, the Madison Metro Transit drivers who earned six-figure wages with overtime no doubt worked longer hours than any other city employees and deserved their pay.

Second, the drivers’ teamster union rules have created an environment of abuse with excessive absenteeism as well as a severely disproportionate distribution of wages based on seniority. The drivers are taking advantage of excessive sick days, which are a disincentive to work.

On the other hand, generous overtime wages offered to the most senior drivers is a great incentive to do additional work. The result is that Metro is spending too much on wages, and most is going to too few drivers.

This parallels corporate America where the company’s top managers reward themselves with the highest wages compared to their workers.

The fundamental difference is that most corporations (bailed-out banks excluded) are owned by private individuals who risked their own money to make a profit and have a perfect right to generously reward themselves. But Madison Metro Transit is subsidized by our tax dollars, and the taxpayers should insist on better fiscal management or consider private-sector bus service.

— Jerry Darda, Madison
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.