Port Authority accused of violating employee free speech rights

PITTSBURGH — The Port Authority of Allegheny County is accused of violating employees’ free speech rights.

Agency officials reportedly disciplined two workers for wearing “Black Lives Matter” face coverings. The dress code policy was updated to ban political statements from not just clothing, but all masks, according to a union representing transit workers.

The union is now threatening legal action.

“I wear what I want. They can wear what they want. That’s the way I look at it,” Orion Perdue said as he got off a bus Monday.

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Many riders Channel 11 spoke with supported the union’s stance, believing drivers should be allowed to wear masks with symbols or messages.

“I mean it’s your freedom of speech so you should be able to express your own opinion,” Lillie Harris-Briggs said.

In a letter to the Port Authority, the union calls the policy unconstitutional.

In a statement to Channel 11, a Port Authority spokesperson said:

“As an agency, we proudly stand against systemic racism and want equality for all in our community. It is our uniform policy that prohibits social and political statements of all kinds, and has for decades. While it may restrict wearing messaging many agree with, it also protects our employees and our patrons from messaging many may not agree with.”

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