In the last 6 months, Amtrak has cut its manpower in Miami to drastic levels. :angry:
This has happened almost every department. The "upper" management folks are doing a great job of protecting themselves, as always. They have even promoted a few from within.
One year ago, a female car cleaner was promoted to a foreman II position. After 9 months, the manager tried to slip the paperwork for the promotion with other paperwork. Her promotion was was not accepted. Two months later, a new job was created for her. This was a Foreman III position to babysit the cleaners. Talk about a BIG payraise!
Word has it she's Tommy's eyes while he's away in Sanford.
The manning has been cut to a few people in the station. Luggage is now tossed off the baggage cart in front of the train, instead of the carousel. There's no one to man it.
Usually a wheelchair is requested onboard and radioed ahead, along with cart requests. It's tough to catch a ride now. It's easier to stand and wave at carts going by, the crew is already leaving on the other side to avoid confrontations.
The conductor calls for first boarding, but with the train usually getting pushed to the station late every morning, he has to change into his uniform and get back to the train. Whoever is picking up the "slack" is inexperienced. The old-timers are using their seniority to avoid these jobs and it looks like part-timers from the extra board are filling the slots! :angry:
Miami Joe B)