I would like to thank all of you who supported me in my recent campaign for re-election to the position of President/ Business Agent of ATU Local 758. Your faith in me as the Leader of this Local brings me honor, pride and gratitude and is deeply appreciated.
     The last year has been one of the most difficult ever, for one in the President/Business Agent position. A significant amount of time has been spent dealing with a dysfunctional management team. The ongoing reorganization/ restructuring of the agency left no one in the position to address the Union’s issues. In addition there appeared to be an upswing of management’s continued attacks on member’s contractual rights, some which have been in existence for the last twenty-five (25) to thirty (30) years. The Union and Management exchanged ideas to better the life styles and work conditions of some of our most affected members. However, once again, there was no one in the position to implement change, or, there was a flat-out unwillingness on some managers’ parts to change.
     The aforementioned issues seemed to multiply with the serious illness, care of, and eventual death of my father, that was immediately followed by the primary election and the eventual run-off election.
     All the while as a Leader you are still in a position of responsibility, carrying the weight of problems, concerns and issues that must be addressed on behalf of you, the represented members.
     Perhaps one of the hardest things was continuing to work on and advance the ideas of this administration to include representation of the membership until the third (3rd) week in December, the time of the run-off election which meant, either you continue to work hard and focus on issues at hand (which I believe I had an obligation to do) and/or in doing so, possibly lose the election. In addition this would have only given a new President/ BA approximately six (6) days to either continue the present agenda and gains made (of which there were many), or start from ground zero, which would have definitely been a setback for the membership of this local. It is my intent, and the intent of this administration, to continue to represent “all” our work groups to the best of our abilities, continue the education of your elected Executive Board Officers, Stewards, and rank and file members, who are willing to step-up and work on behalf of the Union membership and themselves. This administration will also continue to support our dedicated retirees, who have also done so much for this Local.
     In closing thanks again for your support. I will continue to work on your behalf, and understand the issues that are relative to all members.
     Enjoy the New Year, Be Safe take care of you and yours!

     There are presently two (2) vacant Executive Board positions. One is for Maintenance Mechanics/Facilities Custodians, and one for Relief Transit Operator. The Union will accept letters of interest until January 25, 2008. In the event that more than one (1) letter of interest is received for a position, interested members will be given an opportunity to address the Executive Board at the February 7, 2008 Executive Board meeting, if time is requested to do so (members/ representatives from the above stated work groups will be given first priority). Letters of interest can be deposited in the Union drop boxes or sent directly to the Union Office. Questions? Please contact one of your Union Stewards, or elected Executive Board Officer Representatives.

     On November 15, 2007, the Union on behalf of the membership filed a letter of intent to file an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) against Pierce Transit the Agency.

     The reason for the letter of intent, which was also Cc’d to both the CEO and Pierce Transit Board of Commissions, in essence stated violations of the following:
1. Failure to implement 30 hour packaged work for Relief Operators (Memorandum of Agreement)
2. Failure to implement 4/10 work schedules for full –time Operators (Memorandum of Agreement)
3. Failure to adhere to Memorandum of Agreement dated February 14, 2006 to implement 1. & 2. above.
4. Failure to address Relief Operator working conditions (Safety).
5. Violation of Relief Operator contractual rights prior to employment (Days off) violation of Article XXII - Hours and working conditions Operations Department pg. 44-45.
6. Contractual violation of Relief Operator work scheduling (Days off) (violation same as above).
7. Failure to negotiate Meal and Rest periods (RCW 49.12) (WAC 296-126-092)

     Approximately one day after filing the notice of intent I (Union) did meet with Pierce Transit management to include Transportation Services VP Sam Desue and VP HR & Employee Relations Alberto Lara. The following resulted from said meetings.
1. We have now had two (2) meetings regarding implementation of said work 12/14/07 and 12/21/07, and the next steps are developing a method for collecting feedback during the pilot, develop a strategy for communication to the Relief Operators, program start date and length of pilot.
2. Four – ten runs available February shake-up
3. Action has been taken (1&2 above)
4. Continue discussion on AM/PM availability
5. Modify verbiage leading applicant (Relief Operator) to believe they do not have days off (The life of a Relief Operator at Pierce Transit)
6. Modify verbiage of “Probationary Standards of Relief Operators” that may lead one to believe that you will be disciplined for declining work
7. Still ongoing discussions

One of your most important rights as Union members are your seniority rights. These rights extend to every work group.

The reason for this brief article is to bring to the attention of the membership an issue that has arisen in the Operations Department affecting specifically Full Time Transit Operators. On more than one occasion a full-time Operator has reported on time for their assignment and has been told their work, which they had bid for by seniority, was not available for some particular reason.

What does that Operator do? Because you signed a contractual agreement to commit yourself to and show up on time for a piece of work, at a certain time, for a period of 3-4 months by exercising your seniority rights you need not accept any other work other than your bid assignment.

While the Dispatcher may ask you to hang out while they try to remedy the situation, do it. If you are there on time there are a number of remedies. One remedy being the Operator that is doing your assignment is relieved either on the lot, or on the road. If it’s on the lot, this individual can be given another assignment especially if an alternative is offered to you. If it is on the road make sure you are compensated for report time until the relief is made.

You may be offered the chance to use your accrued vacation benefit to supplement your hourly wage. You can do that if you choose, but many of us work to be compensated and not use our accrued benefits which you may want to use at some future date and time.

The bottom line is this; you need not work any assignment other than your bid work, unless you chose to. Think about it, if your work can be arbitrarily changed at any time what good are your contractually guaranteed seniority and bidding rights?

The Union computer work station is up and running in the Union Office. This station was created for usage by the membership whether it be rebuttal letters, documents to management, newsletter articles, or just to sharpen your skills. We initially will offer thirty (30) minute blocks of time for usage which will be scheduled by contacting Pattie Clark our Office Administrator for an appointment at (253)474-3123. A BIG Thank you for Russ Lowe and Lane Chase for wiring it. Good job Guys!!!!