RTA workers in New Orleans will get a $2,000 hazard pay for working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority says frontline employees will get the hazard pay money in two installments which covers hours worked from March through June and July through this December.
The money is in addition to the employees’ regular hourly pay and 80 additional hours in paid leave.
“The RTA Board of Commissioners remains committed to the health and safety of our riders and frontline staff. The men and women on the ground are critical to keeping transit operational in the midst of this historic pandemic,” said Chairman of RTA Board of Commissioners, Flozell Daniels. Jr. “This investment is one of many decisions by the board to strategically support dedicated front line staff, take care of our riding public with reliable, equitable transit service that has class-leading safety mechanisms in place, and carefully manage financial resources.”
RTA administrators say the money will be funded from the $43 million received from the CARES Act and the money saved by the anticipated cancellation of a maintenance and operation contract with Transdev.
“RTA has maintained operations throughout this pandemic in large part due to the commitment and dedication of our frontline workers,” said New Orleans Regional Transit Authority CEO, Alex Wiggins. “During this critical time, in order to continue providing essential transit services to the city, it is imperative to provide our frontline staff with the necessary hazard pay compensatory to working in uncertain circumstances.”
"We must support our frontline workers who are doing the hard work under adverse circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank RTA for helping utilize the CARES Act funds for their people at this most critical time," said New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
The RTA says they are committed to maintaining a full staff and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic despite a drop in ridership. Those employees furloughed by Transdev during the pandemic were called back to work and given back pay for lost wages.