NYC Transit Maintainer Disciplined for Undisclosed Welding side Hustle & Safety Concerns
An NYC Transit maintainer faced disciplinary action after an investigation revealed he was working as a welder without proper disclosure, possibly compromising safety protocols and violating agency rules. The case highlights ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and prevent conflicts of interest within the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
(Image of welder – Getty Images – as provided in the original text)
The maintainer, hired in 2012, received outside income from welding work between April 2020 and July 2024.
Anonymous Tip Sparks Investigation
The investigation began in april 2024 following an anonymous complaint. The complainant alleged the maintainer used an NYC Transit track safety training card – reserved only for agency employees – while performing subcontracted work installing windscreens on a transit project. This raised immediate red flags.
The MTA Office of the Inspector General (OIG) launched a thorough review.This included examining NYC Transit records, bank statements, and other relevant documentation.It wasn’t until the OIG subpoenaed the maintainer’s outside employers that he finally submitted a “dual employment request.”
Failure to Disclose & Supervisor Oversight
The maintainer admitted he should have sought approval for outside employment from NYC Transit. He claimed to have filed a request in 2017, but the OIG found no record of it.
Adding to the issue, the maintainer’s supervisor stated they were unaware of their obligation to review and approve staff requests for dual employment. This points to a potential breakdown in internal oversight procedures.
Consequences & System Safeguards
As a result of the investigation, the maintainer received a five-month, unpaid suspension and a final written warning. The supervisor received retraining on proper procedures for handling employee requests for outside work.
“This employee’s behavior jeopardized both his safety and the safety of others,” stated MTA Inspector General Diane Cort. “Outside employment rules exist for good reason: to safeguard the system, its workforce, and its customers, to avoid conflicts of interest, and to prevent time abuse. those who violate the rules will be held accountable.”
Part of a Larger Pattern?
this incident follows a recent investigation last month involving Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) workers. They were accused of using cloned swipe cards to fraudulently collect pay for time not worked.
* That investigation resulted in disciplinary actions, including suspensions and resignations, though the employees involved were not publicly identified.
* these cases underscore the MTA’s commitment to rooting out misconduct and ensuring the integrity of its operations.
The MTA did not instantly respond to a request for comment from amNewYork regarding this specific case.
Key Takeaways for Transit Workers:
* Clarity is crucial: Always disclose any outside employment to your agency.
* Understand the rules: Familiarize yourself with your employer’s policies regarding outside work.
* Supervisors, be vigilant: Know your responsibilities regarding employee oversight.
* Safety first: unauthorized work can create perilous situations for yourself and others.
This case serves as a clear reminder that the MTA is actively investigating and addressing potential misconduct to maintain a safe and reliable transit system for all New Yorkers.
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