In Transit newsletter: LIRR upgrade should speed trips through Jamaica
Alfonso A. Castillo, newsday.com
The LIRR is also looking for efficiencies in staffing practices, including by shifting some rail inspections from overnights to daytime hours to minimize the need for overtime, examining whether some crafts can get by without round-the-clock staffing and using scheduling tools "to balance conductor availability and overtime while supporting employee well-being," according to published materials. The changes received some pushback from the LIRR’s labor representative on the MTA board, Chris Leathers, who suggested union leaders weren’t consulted. "There are things that are added on to the workforce’s plate, and it would be good if you would find out what would work for us," he said.