SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

Union Membership Meeting Notice

~Thursday September 8, 2005, at 7:30PM in Union Hall,
3049 South 36th ST (rear of Bldg) (Union Hall Map)

~Friday, September 9, 2005, at 10:00AM in the Union Office,
10828 Gravelly Lake DR. SW, #202 (Union Office Map)

~Tuesday, September 13, 2005, at 7:30PM
Longshoreman’s Hall, 627 14th AVE (Longview) (Longshoreman's Hall Map)

~Executive Board
Thursday, September 1, 2005, at 3:00PM (Union Office) (Union Office Map)

Sonya Ogden, Rec.Sec./Newsletter Editor

Pattie Clark, Union Sec./Online Newsletter Editor

“Negotiation Update”

     In one of the training seminars I have attended, an instructor described contract negotiations as a “Play” with several “ACTS”.
     ACT I – the opening which is the preparation for negotiations (survey of the membership etc.).
     ACT II – the opening day or start-up which includes agreement on ground rules which set the guidelines for our negotiations. One of our ground rules is an agreement that neither party due to the ever-changing issues and discussions will divulge any proposals until such time that a tentative agreement is reached and presented to the membership for ratification.
     ACT III – the discussion of non-economic issues and housekeeping items. There is not a definite ending point, but happens before both parties settle down to discussion of monetary and economic issues.
     ACT IV – negotiating the economic issues. This is usually when the tone changes somewhat, issues and passions of both parties become more intense and usually ends when a tentative agreement is reached.
     Your negotiation team is approaching the end of ACT IV, and it is our intent to bring a proposal to the membership in the latter part of September. Dates scheduled for negotiations in September are the 9th, 16th, 20th & 21st, 2005.
     It is our intent to bring a tentative agreement or proposal to the membership that is both acceptable to us the negotiating team, and you the members. If the tentative agreement is “not” ratified (found to be unacceptable) by the membership, we will go back into negotiations until such time as we reach an acceptable proposal or agreement that is ratified or acceptable.
     ACT V – is the phase which occurs if no contract settlement is reached and both parties reach impasse. Unfortunately if you live on this planet, you, I’m sure, have noticed the state of contract negotiations with everyone from teachers to telecommunications workers, police and fire, city and county workers to airline workers, the disturbing trend of contract negotiations. A majority of the above named occupations have been forced to make major concessions or strike.
     In the state of Washington we have “binding arbitration”. In this process an arbitrator works between the two parties, listening to the arguments of both sides (to include supporting documentation etc.) and makes a decision regarding the issues that both sides have to live with.
     Sometimes this can be a costly process, affecting both economic and non-economic issues.
     Currently our comparables in contract negotiations Local 1015 Spokane, Local 1384 Intercity/Kitsap, and Local 1576 Community/ Snohomish County are all going to binding arbitration. How this will affect us no one knows. Personally I feel that Pierce Transit does not want to go there, neither do we, but we as a Union must do what we have to do per the will of the membership.

“Campaign Promises”

     Thanks to all the General Officers and Executive Board members that contribute to the Union newsletter. This fulfills one of my campaign promises of involvement of your Executive Board with the membership. We will continue to improve in the future with more member participation. Again....THANK YOU.

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Sonya Ogden
Recording Secretary

     On August 3rd thru 6th, 2005 I attended the WSLC Convention (Washington State Labor Council) with E-Board Officer’s Lamarr Bond and Georgia Twaites in Spokane Washington. The convention opened up with the topic of what happened at the International AFL-CIO convention in Chicago. President Rick Bender in his speech spoke of the impact on the WSLC of the three International Union UFCW, SEIU and Teamsters pulling out of the AFL-CIO. Due to no longer belonging to the AFL-CIO these Unions can no longer belong or attend the WSLC or the local Central Labor Councils. The following are highlights from his speech.

• About 180,000 Union members in Washington are now no longer members of WSLC.
• About 30% to 50% of the volunteer base for the Labor to Neighbor is now gone.
• California and Nevada have the larger percentage that left AFL-CIO and will attempt to form their own Labor Councils.
• The International Presidents of the Unions that split from the AFL-CIO made the decision to split on their own and did not go to their own members for advice or a vote. These same Presidents threatened their locals of trusteeship if they did not follow and or support them. This is per Patty Rose the Secretary/Trea from the PCCLC (Pierce County Central Labor Council).
• PCCLC will loose 36% of its revenue and about 11,000 members.
• One of the International Unions that split from the AFL-CIO was seven months in arrears in per capita dues and did not understand why they could not have a voice or a vote at the convention.
• There will be no joint labor programs with the Unions that split due to being unconstitutional.
• You must be a member of the AFL-CIO to be a member of the WSLC.
  He feels the following are the reasons why the Unions split.
• They had concern over the direction of the AFL-CIO.
• Forced mergers by industry. Reducing down to 15 International Unions.
• The rebate program. 15% of monies sent to AFL-CIO are rebated back to the Unions for organizing. President Sweeney wanted to increase that to 30% and some of the Unions did not want that.
• The Unions that split wanted a new President for the AFL-CIO. It is a democratic process. Obviously the majority wanted President John Sweeney back.

President Rick Bender went on to talk of the positive impact WSLC has at the local and state level.
• Washington State had a Union density increase of 1 to 2 percent.
• Washington State is the 5th highest Union density in the United States.
• Had 4 collective bargaining bills passed.
• Washington State has the best political programs in the USA. For example, the Labor To Neighbor program.
• The 2004 elections had an 86% turn out of Union members.
• Defeated the Initiative 912-Transportation.

     There was an ATULC meeting in Spokane and I spoke with President Dennis Antonellis of the ATULC (Amalgamated Transit Union Legislative Council) and former President Jim Fitzgerald on the shoulder harness issue and what was the status of legislation and when we could go forward with it. Dennis stated that there will be an ATULC meeting within a month’s time to discuss the issue among others. Both Dennis and Jim stated that our ATULC Lobbyist Pam Crone needs documentation from the locals to back our issue so that she can try to work with a friend that works in the State Patrol and try to get an exemption this way before going at it legislatively. Either way she will need documentation to prove our reasons for needing the exemption.

     The following are initiatives that WSLC discussed and voted on to support or not. (Fall 2005 elections)

• I-900 concerns performance audits of governmental entities. (Tim Eyman initiative) Was voted on to oppose.
• I-901 concerns over the Clean Indoor Act by expanding smoking prohibitions. Was voted on to support.
• I-912 concerns motor vehicle fuel taxes. Was voted on to oppose.
• I-330 concerns claims for personal injury or death from arising healthcare services. The WSLC E-Board took action to oppose. Was voted on to support the E-Boards action.
• I-336 concerns medical malpractice. Was voted on to support. Please remember that 330 is dirty and 336 is the real fix.
• I-342 concerns limiting motor vehicle charges. Was voted on to support.
• I-343 concerns citizenship. Was voted on to support
• I-344 concerns qualifications for elective state office. Was voted on to oppose. For detailed information on the above initiatives please ask me for a copy of the proposed initiatives.

“Wal-Mart and Unions”

     A member questioned me why the Unions are so hard on Wal-Mart. What was the big deal? I did my best in explaining what Wal-Mart does in it business practice and the way it treats their employees. I told this member I would write a more detailed response in the newsletter due to maybe there were other members who had the same question. Lets start with Poverty level wages, Wal-Mart pays workers too little to keep a family of four out of poverty. Taxpayer abuse, Wal-Mart costs American taxpayers up to $2.7 billion per year in taxpayer funded public health care and public assistance programs. Poor benefits, fewer than half of Wal-Mart’s workers are covered by the company’s health plan due to long waiting periods for eligibility. Discrimination, Wal-Mart is facing the largest gender discrimination lawsuit in history affecting more then 1.6 million female employees. Union Busting, Wal-Mart closed down a Quebec store putting more then 200 workers out of work. They would not negotiate with the workers who formed a Union. Wal-Mart can afford to do better. It is America’s largest private employer, with over $10 billion in annual profits. Wal-Mart CEO Lee Scott received nearly $23 million in total compensation in 2004. This same member asked me if I shopped at Wal-Mart. How could I answer him without being hypocritical. I answered, yes I have. I come from the south and Wal-Mart in some communities is a staple, a way of life. I can not ask you not to shop at Wal-Mart, but I can ask you to be more aware of its practices and to be informed why Unions have a problem with Wal-Mart. Here are some web-sites that you can go to and learn more www.wakeupwalmart.com and www.walmartcostsyou.com .

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Executive Board Report

     Four million Union workers, almost a third of the Federation’s members are no longer affiliated with the American Federation of Labor Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) and the Teamsters. It was a power struggle and for the Unions just mentioned above, they were unhappy with President Sweeney’s inflexibility and the AFL-CIO’s unwillingness to change tactics.

     I attended the 2005 Washington State Labor Council in Spokane with Recording Secretary Sonya Ogden and E-Board Officer Georgia Twaites. The conference was about politics and organizing and the theme was “Labor at The Crossroads.” We listened to over 30 speakers on various subjects. The information from all of the speakers was quite lengthy but very informative. Governor Christine Gregoire, spoke about the legislation, health care, education and our diverse state. Senator Maria Cantwell, spoke about transportation, Boeing airplanes, social security, and fare trade. Representative Jay Inslee, spoke about social security and conservation of energy. State Secretary of Transportation, Doug MacDonald, spoke about the projects on I-5, Hwy 16, 320 HOV and others. Executive Secretary of Transportation Dave Johnson, spoke about skilled “Trades”, which needs to continue to be taught. We’re in the computer age but we still need plumbers, carpenters, electricians, construction workers and etc. Most of the trades are Union jobs. As I mentioned already, we had a lot of excellent quality speakers.

     During this conference we also voted on twenty proposed initiatives and resolutions. In addition to the conference, there were many workshops to attend. I attended three of the eight; some were being presented at the same time. Otherwise I would have attended more. I learned a lot from this conference because it was very informative. I also met a lot of people from other Unions that I will hopefully network with in the near future. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to attend this conference.
Upcoming Events:

• September 5th Labor 2005, Tug-O-War Wright’s Park Noon – 5 pm (All Union members are invited and family) for more info call (253) 471-1123
• September 16th, United Way Day of Caring and Campaign kickoff
• September 25th, Bowling Fundraiser at Pacific Lanes 1 – 4 pm, registration deadline is September 9th. For more information call Ashley Jones at (253) 272-4263 or Emma Faidley at (253) 597-6237
• September 28-29, 54th Annual Governor’s Industrial Safety and Health Conference (www.wagovconf.org)

Lamarr Bond, E-Board Officer/Shop Steward Operations Position I

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     On September 28th and 29th, 2005 I will attend this years Washington State Safety Conference in downtown Tacoma at the Convention Center.  I will give a report after the convention is over in the next newsletter. If you have any safety issues please write them up.  The safety forms are on the safety board in lobby.

     On the funny side Bill Dugger gave me an up date on the two chickens I gave him after the Union picnic.  He told me they are doing well on his chicken farm and they are getting ready for next years chicken poop game at the ATU Picnic.

Tyrone Ross, Executive Board Officer, Position II

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     I was selected to be one of ATU 758 delegates to attend the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO in Spokane. This was my first time to see AFL-CIO Officers, staff and members in action. These people are a group of hard working, committed representatives for WA State AFL-CIO Unions. Following is a brief summary of workshops I attended. Workshops were available each afternoon for three hours. It was difficult selecting from the 8 workshops offered.

• L & I / Workers Compensation: A pilot project began in June 2002 in Spokane & Renton. The goal is to stream line services for the injured worker, improve injured worker outcomes and to prevent disability. It appears to produce positive outcomes and will be expanded in Eastern WA, South King and North Pierce Counties. L&I are encouraging self insured employers to be involved.
• Pension & Social Security: Doug Orr, Professor of Economics, Eastern WA University discussed the myth regarding S.S. benefits being in jeopardy and how privatization of S.S. will only help corporate America not the eligible American. Very little pension issues were presented as S.S. is such a hot issue.
• Family Leave for WA State: A movement in Washington DC to kill the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Several WA State elected officials are working on a WA State FML program. Interesting, California established such a program in 1946.
Other Topics presented by speakers were election initiatives. The primary ones from Union perspectives are:
• I-912 would cancel hundreds of highway, bridges ferry and transit projects, cancel new employment/jobs and continue to have many dangerous roads & bridges. WSLC members recommend a NO VOTE.
• I-330 & I-336 Hot issues look on ATU Bulletin Board for information to come. Support I-336, NO VOTE on I-330.
There was so much good information at this conference for example.
• Washington DC administration is working to place all federal workers under the “National Security Personnel System”. NSPS would tear up Union contracts and eliminate the protections that federal workers have against political pressures. Those who toe the line would get raises – but whistle blowers & critics could be literally transferred anywhere in the world with almost no notice.
• Labor Neighbor Committee – WA States labor movement to campaign as a group.
• A more extensive Labor apprentice program approved by Legislators and signed by WA Governor is now available in WA involving Unions, government, technical colleges, employers etc.
• WA State Unions representing employees can now negotiate for benefits & wages.
• Lots of discussion about transportation being the greatest need in WA State
• WA State ATU legislative committee plans to meet in September. I learned a lot about how private sector Unions differs from public service Unions.

Georgia Twaites, E-Board Officer, Shuttle CSR

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     These are a couple of samples out of the union handbook. They are provisions that affect Relief Transit Operators as set down in the Master Agreement between Amalgamated Transit Union Local 758 and Pierce Transit. On page 42, section S. Relief Transit Operators:

     1. Hours and Days off. Relief Transit operators will be guaranteed a minimum of 20 hours of paid time in a work week and will be available for any work assigned. Hours of work declined and hours of leave without pay will be deducted from this guarantee. Paid time of all Relief Transit Operators shall be divided equally if possible. In determining such equalization of time, the employer shall consider any leave used by Relief Transit Operators. Time worked on days off WILL NOT count towards equalization.

     2. Eight and One-Half Hours Off: Relief Transit Operators SHALL NOT be required to report for morning duty less than EIGHT AND ONE-HALF HOURS after completing work the night before.

     In my humble opinion, eight and a half hours is not enough time considering the distances that some of the Operators live from work. Included in the eight and half hours are commute time, nourishment, family time, clean up time and time to unwind from a stressful day on the streets. Then comes the precious little time of rest before you start all over again. For such a safety sensitive industry, this is not logical. Our bodies are not light switches that can be turned on and off without consequences. The most notable consequences are physical and mental health and safety concerns. I believe that if you start the work week on mornings, you should remain on an A.M. schedule as closely as possible for the remainder of the week. Same for P.M. work. They are telling new Operators that they may be on the "B" board for as long as three years. Can you imagine the hit that your physical and mental well being, not to mention personal relationships, will take in a three year period on the "B" board? Being somewhat computer savvy....if a computer can do one thing, it certainly can do another. I believe that this is realistic and possible.

     At this time there is no requirement to call in on your days off to check for work availability. Recently, it has been brought to my attention that some drivers have been taken to task for receiving work assignments on their days off without their knowledge, even though they checked the schedule the previous day. In this regard, it's very helpful if you are clairvoyant when you are in Oregon or Eastern Washington on your days off.

     One last note. My tenure as your Union Steward representing Relief Transit Operators will be ending. Hopefully sooner than later. You can't say that I'm not optimistic. I'm chewing on a wish sandwich while I'm writing this. I appeal to any "B" boarder who feels the desire fill this important and necessary position. The ideal candidate should be a Relief Operator for at least one year and posses a good safety record. If you are interested, call me at 253-797-8420 or email me at aviaiton@yahoo.com If you want something different, do something different!

Barry Aiton, E-Board Officer, Appointed Relief position

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In Memory

Pierce Transit Operator George Getz, passed on August 14, 2005

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Grievance Update

Rex Longen: Arbitrator has been chosen, date pending is January 06, 2006

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By-Law Committee

Per Capita Tax vote will be in the September cycle of meetings, due to lack of quorum and a vote in the August cycle of meetings.

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Member Update

We have 811 active members and 56 retired members, with a total of 867.

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