Moscow metro drivers are overworked and underpaid, putting passengers' safety at risk, the head of the independent underground workers' trade union, Svetlana Razina, said at a press conference Wednesday.
"They give train drivers five days to learn how to operate a train. Is it possible to become acquainted with a new machine which is stuffed with electronics in five days? It is impossible," Razina said, RIA Novosti reported.
The union's head also pointed out various violations of labor laws by the metro's management. Instead of the prescribed six hours of work with five-minute breaks every 2.5 hours, the drivers work 7.5-hour shifts, which significantly increases their stress levels and puts them under heightened pressure.
Other metro workers, such as those monitoring the escalators from their cubicles, are also forced to work additional shifts for no extra pay because of insufficient staffing.
While there have been no reported accidents caused by inadequately trained metro drivers as of yet, the capital's underground recently experienced a series of technical difficulties that caused significant havoc during the city's peak-hour traffic.
Among the incidents were a power cable fire on the red line on June 5 and the disjointing of train cars on the gray line on Sept 12. No injuries or fatalities were reported.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
