Metrolink crews in Southern California threaten boycott over personality tests

Crews threaten boycott over personality tests

LOS ANGELES — 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.

Information from: Los Angeles Times, www.latimes.com