MARCH NEWSLETTER
Union Membership Meeting Notice
~Thursday, March 9, 2006, at 7:30PM in Union Hall,
~Friday, March 10, 2006, at 10:00AM in the Union Office,
~Tuesday, March 14, 2006, at 7:30PM
~Executive Board
3049 South 36TH ST (rear of Bldg) (Union Hall Map)
10828 Gravelly Lake DR. SW, #202
Longshoreman’s Hall, 627 14th AVE (Longview) (Longshoreman's Hall Map)
Thursday, March 2, 2006, at 3:00PM (Union Office)
Sonya Ogden, Rec.Sec./Newsletter Editor
Pattie Clark, Union Sec./Online Newsletter Editor
President’s Report
Isaac O. Tate, President/B.A.
president@atu758.orgLast month I attended the Northwest Conference in Phoenix January 26th thru January 29th along with Vice President Lane Chase and Financial Secretary/Treasurer Don McKnight. This was a meeting of the Northwest Conference (NWC) Executive Board of which the top officers of Locals from Alberta to Saskatchewan, Canada and Washington State to Minnesota attend to set the agenda for the general Conference to be held in June. There are approximately “26” Locals representing approximately 18,000 members.
One of the things we do while attending is give reports of the Locals. While I have acted in some capacity as an Officer/advocate of this Local for the last approximately 18 years, it never ceases to amaze me how well the management of many Transit agencies work in harmony to push agendas, or another way of stating it would be “tactics” nationwide, to be applied consistently in negotiations, employee training and overall management strategies. If you don’t believe me go to the “APTA” web site, there’s always a seminar coming to you “soon”.
What I did hear in the reports and group and individuals interaction with fellow Officers was we negotiated a contract and now there seems to be a difference (Union/Management) in the interpretation of what was agreed to. Some had been forced to arbitration to settle the issue(s) and some where still waiting a year later for the outcome. This leads me to an issue we encountered regarding our negotiated contract, specifically the Relief Operator and Transit Operator wage scale provisions. The Union’s position and the only reason we agreed to the proposal was that no current employees/members would be affected – managements position was no current employee/member would suffer a loss in wages (i.e. from a Relief to a Full-time Operator), so if a Relief was at the 3rd step of 4 of Relief and then promoted to full-time if they suffered no harm in pay by going to the 1st step (new wage scale) that was were they were placed.
Several meetings and discussions were held between the Union and Management (more specifically myself, Lane Chase, Marnie Slakey V.P. H.R. & Labor Relations and Kristine Dupille H.R.) to come to compromise. We were able to come to compromise I feel because both sides had equally good points and valid arguments for their position(s).
A brief synopsis of the agreement is stated below.
- *All Relief Transit Operators(2935) in that classification at the time of contract ratification and who were hired prior to December 31, 2004 will be moved to the second step of the Transit Operator position (2930) upon moving up to a full-time position.
- All Relief Transit Operators hired after December 31, 2004 will be moved to the first step of the Transit Operator position upon moving to a full-time position, unless their wage step as a Relief is higher than that first step, in which case, that Operator will move to the second step.
- The new wage steps that were accepted by the ATU as part of the revised contract will be utilized by all other represented employees who are promoted into other classifications, excepting those whose wage step is higher that the first step of the new position, in which case, they would be advanced to the next step.
- Management agrees to adjust the wages retroactively of any Relief Operator who has been promoted since contract ratification (November 14, 2005) and who was moved to the first, rather than the second step.
*Relief Operators hired after December 31, 2004 will be at a higher wage step as a Relief Operator than the first step of the new scale when moving to a full-time position based on their projected step increases, so they will not be adversely affected.
Another issue that came out of our contract negotiations was the establishment of a 4/10 and 30 hour packaged work for Relief Operator committees. I feel that I have assembled a group that is diverse in their thinking and should provide both good input and, “if” discussions should go well bring a viable proposal to the membership. Running time issues another topic of our contract negotiations is very important to you as Operators. We argued time and time again about the unrealistic time schedules, lack of recovery time, the effect of these issues on safety aspects of the job and the general health of the Operator Pierce Transit has made a commitment to rectify these issues and the leadership of your Union implores you to please document these issues, and concerns. Opportunities to modify and/or improve your lifestyles and working conditions are at hand, management made the commitment in “writing” to address it, give them everything they need!
Contract books - The proofed copy has been sent to the publisher after an attempt to do them in – house. (could not produce large enough font for our advancing in age members) so they should be ready for the membership in the next 2-3 weeks. We will determine the best method to get them to the membership whether its employee/member mailboxes (with P.T. approval of course), Executive Board rep distribution, or you may have to attend a Union meeting to acquire one.
On the Maintenance side of things E-Board Representative Russ Lowe has brought several issues to the Labor/Management meeting forum. One lack of process and second HR accessibility to our Maintenance members. Regarding the first issue there seem to be discrepancies between written specifications and verbal directions given by individual(s) in Supervisory roles. If you encounter issues of this nature please contact Russ, and to reiterate what V.P. Slakey stated in the meeting, as a member of the Joint Labor Management Committee he can talk “directly” to V.P. Reed Hooks regarding this issue, or others.
The second issue maintenance accessibility, Russ did submit a list of concerns and possible resolutions. One concern was the need for phone lists of H.R. staff and their areas of expertise posted in central locations, a location for benefit forms (healthcare coverage, FMLA paperwork, W-4 forms, 457 enrollment/ contribution change forms, direct deposit etc.) Russ states Kim Hull does a good job for the day folks but, night shift doesn’t get that type of support. Other issues were addressed as well and per discussion between Russ and Marnie it is the Union’s hope that there be resolution to these also. On another matter I have sent a request to V.P. Hooks that any documentation to file that could lead to discipline to include verbal reminders per the maintenance discipline policy that are recorded by notation to the Supervisors file, be forwarded to this office. Question, without a copy to the member or the Union who knows what level of discipline one may or may not be at?On February the 14th, I was invited by CEO Don Monroe to attend the Executive Staff meeting. The reason for the invitation was a presentation by Wayne Poynter of “Drive Cam”. While I do appreciate Don’s invitation I would have to say “no thanks”. In this agency this device would be known as a “Get the Driver Cam”. I have the wonderful workings of the “Drive Cam” on CD if anyone would like to view it. Let me know and I’ll burn you a copy!
Sound Transit, “will be” deleting service on the 585 route during the June Shake-up. Route 582 will delete off-peak service operating during midday, evening and week-end time periods, however it will continue the “peak period” service and the “reverse peak” trips operating from Tacoma to Bonney Lake in the AM and Bonney Lake to Tacoma in the PM. Unfortunately this could potentiality impact 8 to 10 full-time runs. As the month of May draws closer we will keep you updated.
CDL Disqualification penalties have changed. Please note changes posted on Union Bulletin Boards, also Executive Board Reps and Shop Stewards will have copies of the new penalties. P.S. If you find yourself in one of these situations, please contact me on my cell phone 253-640-9111 immediately, we may have contact with individuals that can help you.
Badge Scanners – Could this be next? An Ohio company has embedded silicon chips in two of its employees – the first known case in which U.S. workers have been “tagged” electronically as a way of identifying them. City Watcher.com, a private video surveillance company, said that it was testing the technology as a way of controlling access to a room where it holds security video footage for government agencies and the police. The chips were developed for medical use – but now the boss has ‘em.
Finally, I will be out of the Office March 3rd thru March 9th 2006 to attend the ATU Legislative Conference in Washington DC. Travel and hotel are covered by the International. I will be one of four (4) representatives from Washington State the others are Dennis Antonellis WA State ATU Legislative Conference Chair 1015- Spokane, Karen Stites FST ATU Legislative Council 1384- Olympia, and Rick Sepoleon VP ATU Legislative Council 587- Seattle.
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Lane Chase, Vice President/A.B.A.
V.president@atu758.orgSHOP STEWARDS
The new list of officers and shop stewards is complete and posted on the Union bulletin board. However we can always use more people. Fresh eyes and new energy are always a plus and indispensable to the local. Think you have the desire and what it takes, well read on.Shop steward refresher and or training signups are posted on the Union bulletin boards. We would like to get at least 15 people to sign up. Details are on the postings in maintenance and operations. Selections will be made on a first come first serve basis. If you are thinking of joining the ranks of Shop Steward make sure you read the prayer below, it holds much wisdom and a lot of insight into the position.
SHOP STEWARDS PRAYER
Grant me, Oh Lord the genius to explain to my brothers and sisters the policies and practices of our company even though no one explains them to me.
Give me the understanding that I may forgive the apathetic member, curb the overly ambitious member and accept the views of the member who does nothing until I have done something, and then tells me what I should have done and how I should have done it.
Oh Lord, make me formidable in debate, logical in argument and fearless in confrontation.
Let me be a lawyer, actor, mathematician, sage, philosopher, sociologist, and economist.
Let me be pleasing, cajoling, threatening, and belaboring so that I make the best of a good case and a good case from no case at all.
Teach me, Oh Lord, to stand at all times with both feet firmly on the ground …
Even when I don’t have a leg to stand on!ISSUES THE BOSS MUST DISCUSS
The following is a list of some of the issues that must be talked about with the union unless the union has specifically waived its right to bargain or grieve them.
Absence Rules
Clean-up Rules
Disciplinary Procedures
Dress Codes
Drug/Alcohol Testing
Elimination of Positions
Employee Privileges
Evaluation Systems
Light Duty Policies
New Positions
Pay Check Procedures
Safety and Health Issues
Subcontracting
Tardiness Rules
Union Steward Rights
Vacation Policies
Workloads
Work Rules
This is a list of just a few if you have an issue or a concern, contact your shop steward.
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IN MEMORY OF MARSHALL MAGEE
MAY 24, 1952-FEBRUARY 16, 2006Isaac and myself and many friends from transit attended Marshall’s Memorial. Probably the most often repeated phrase was about his smile. I would like to share this quote in his memory in the hopes we can keep that smile going in our hearts and on our faces.
“A smile costs nothing but gives much. It enriches those who receive without making poorer those who give. It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None is so rich or mighty that he can get along without it and none is so poor that he cannot be made rich by it. Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value to anyone until it is given away. Some people are too tired to give you a smile. Give them one of yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.” ~Author Unknown
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “DML”
The discipline process follows a very definite progression. Normally it will start with a verbal or even a letter of clarification. Then comes a written reminder. The next step is usually a suspension, which could vary in length depending on the situation. Finally comes the DML, “Decision Making Leave”, agreement. This document is basically what you can call a last chance agreement between you and Pierce Transit. These steps can be issued for single subject offenses such as absenteeism, or they it can issued for overall job performance, which lumps multiple issues together. The point is if the offense is considered serious enough Transit will skip steps and elevate discipline to a higher level. The point is, know where you're at on the discipline ladder!COULD IT HAPPEN TO YOU?
The following information is given to make you aware of your surroundings. Stay alert and protect yourself as much as possible. The list that follows is only some of what has happened in the last couple weeks.
*Operator --assaulted on Rt. #28 with a pistol.
*Operator--attempted stabbing on Rt.
*Operator-- chest pains taken to hospital.
*Operator--shuttle van in accident with 4 cars 72nd and Sheridan operator taken to hospital.
*Operator--shuttle van 6 car accident 133rd and Meridian operator taken to hospital.
In case you missed it the key word here is “operator”. The point stay alert! Have a plan for your safety and protection!
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On behalf of Isaac, myself and the executive board and membership of Local 758, would like to take this opportunity to welcome aboard the Class of February 6, 2006. Also the Officers and members of the Local would like to take this opportunity to welcome aboard Seanna Wolff, Longview/ Kelso, Paratransit Services as a shop steward. She has graciously stepped forward to fill the vacant position in the Longview/ Kelso area. Thank-you Seanna!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Don McKnight
Financial Secretary/TreasurerOur local’s annual audit is just about finished. It’s amazing how much is involved in the audit process and it is very expensive as well. The expense is necessary though to insure the accountability and safeguarding your money. The local’s budget for 2006 was approved per E-Board recommendation after the Union meetings failed to reach a quorum. The budget passing means less work for me but I’m still saddened that it was reached without a membership quorum. It’s your union and your money, get Involved! We all lead very busy lives and it’s very easy to forget a meeting. If you need a friendly reminder of the Union meeting schedule closer to the meeting dates, email me at finsec@atu758.org and I’ll put you on a monthly mailing list.
Prevent the DisciplineTurns
From Double Turn Lanes: The issue that has come to our attention lately is coaches turning from the inside lanes when there are two lanes turning. I took this issue to Fred Nelson to address. I was curious as to why the rule applied to 28th & Portland Ave and not 512 & STW. I had always been told that an exemption had been given to 512 & STW. I inquired as to where the exemption could be found and if there was one for 28th & Portland as well because the intersection seems to have been constructed in a way to let larger vehicles turn using the inside lane. Fred said that he had done some further checking and found that not only was there no exemption for 28th & Portland but that there was no exemption for 512 & STW or anywhere else either. The inside lane at 512 & STW used to be an HOV lane and that is how we started using the inside lane there. Now that the HOV status has been removed, so should use of the inside lane. I know most of you have been taught to use the inside lane. I’m not telling you what to do in this forum but don’t be surprised if you’re called on it if you continue to use the inside lane to make turns from the inside double turn lane anywhere in our system. I guess the correct thing to do is to block traffic in the curb lane until you can safely move to the inside lane after making the turn.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Executive Board Report Contract 2005 – 2008 Your contract negotiation team (President Business/Agent Isaac Tate, Vice President/Asst.BA, Lane Chase, Financial Secretary/Treasurer Don McKnight and Maintenance Executive Board Officer, Russ Lowe) aggressively negotiated a long-term disability insurance program paid for 100 percent by Pierce Transit. This went into effect January 1, 2006 for all represented employees. If you have any questions concerning this subject, direct it to our union office at extension (253) 588-3651 or Human Resources on the main floor of bldg 4.
Lamarr Bond, Executive Board Officer, Position I
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The ATU Executive board has a new Relief Operator representative. We would like to welcome Pattie VanWinkle. She is already busy working on Relief Operator issues that are important to all of us. Pattie is a great addition to our Board and helps to balance the needs of all of our members. Welcome Pattie.
In the past I have written extensively about safety. Specifically about driving the bus and not the paddle and not speeding to stay on schedule. By doing this you can avoid the trap that a tight schedule will lead you into. It is not your problem-do not make it your problem. Write the run up even if you have to do it on a daily basis. Believe it or not, tight runs are under a lot of scrutiny at this time by management and planning. A while back I wrote about afternoon trippers and made the point of leaving at your leave time instead of your sign up time. By leaving early you were actually part of the problem and not the solution. Well it worked because as I write this, Sound Transit is closely monitoring morning and afternoon tripper running times and is planning to add times to these runs. The problems are self evident. We need to do our part and that is to drive the bus and not the paddle and don't speed. Remember to take your breaks, that is your right. If the runs are tight, our paying customers ultimately are the ones who have the loudest voice.
Please refer to address label page of this newsletter for your Weingarten Rights.Barry Aiton, Executive Board Officer, Position III
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Grievances and Arbitrations
Rex Longen-Specialized Transportation Dispatcher. Arbitration continues April 3rd and 4th, 2006.
Mike Curtis-Longview/Kelso Paratransit Services terminated-policy violations.
Grievance withdrawn termination final.