The "noise" is getting louder. After the ARST drivers serving the city's urban lines decided to send a petition to the Oristano and Cagliari headquarters, protesting the critical issues on several roads, which pose a danger to both vehicles and their safety, the unions are now taking action.
To protect workers, the Organization of Autonomous and Base Unions intervened today. Secretary Massimo Frau sent a memo reporting all road issues to ARST, the Municipality of Oristano, the metropolitan area of Cagliari and Oristano, and the Regional Department of Transport. "Resolute action is requested to address the issues," the document states, "in order to eliminate drivers' exposure to hazardous work-related situations."
Also today, the regional secretary of Uiltrasporti Sardegna, Nicola Contini, spoke out. "Regarding the reports made by urban transport drivers, we note the continuing risky operating conditions that are incompatible with the regular and safe operation of local public transport. The reported critical issues, found on multiple urban transport lines, specifically concern: maneuvering in conditions of reduced visibility and in the presence of lateral obstacles such as ditches, vegetation, and poles; encroachment on the roadway by branches and vegetation; roadway restrictions that force vehicles to use the oncoming lane; and the presence of obstacles that are not adequately visible during maneuvers. These conditions," the statement continues, "present workers with concrete and repeated risks on a daily basis, with potential impacts on ridership and traffic safety."
The union urges and warns the recipients of the document (the Province, Municipality, and ARST), each within their respective jurisdiction, to take immediate action to conduct technical inspections of the reported sections , to urgently implement safety measures, and to ensure road conditions compatible with the transit of local public transport. "Finally, we ask you to provide written feedback no later than seven days after receiving the document," as required by law. "We hereby inform you that the continuation of these conditions may require the undersigned to implement all measures required to protect the health and safety of workers, as well as to report the situation to the appropriate authorities. In the absence of timely feedback and concrete action, the undersigned reserves the right to take further action in the appropriate forums."
