Personality tests for rail workers?
Engineers and conductors for Southern California's commuter rail service are threatening to boycott new personality tests required after a crash that killed 25 people.
The Los Angeles Times reports that two railroad unions objected to the agreement between Metrolink and its new contractor, Amtrak, because it would require crews to pass the tests to keep their jobs.
Amtrak says the tests for engineers look at work habits and seek out employees who are good at repetitive tasks and don't become distracted while operating a train. The company currently requires its employees to take the screening tests for safety.
The unions say Amtrak may not be able to find qualified train crews when it takes over operations of the 500-mile system this summer.
Metrolink says it might revisit the tests, which many corporations use to evaluate job applicants.
-- Associated Press
What do you think of requiring personality tests for train operators? E-mail us at transportation@washpost.com.
By
Michael Bolden
|
April 1, 2010; 9:30 AM ET
Categories:
Advisories
Save & Share:
Previous: Virginia extends pothole blitz
Next: Metro hires new safety chief
Posted by: jckdoors | April 1, 2010 10:52 AM | Report abuse
if it will help raise the percentage of train operators that announce stations loud & clearly, then yes.
Posted by: Hattrik | April 1, 2010 11:21 AM | Report abuse
The comments to this entry are closed.
Yes. Metro should use it without question (I know this bit isn't about Metro). Think of all the self-important, rude, lazy employees they wouldn't have hired.