Portions of this article I’ve previously issued but, I feel due to the influx of new Operators and for the benefit of the not so new bears repeating.
It’s seems every other day this office receives a notice of disciplinary action regarding “aggressive” or unsafe operation of our coaches to include tailgating, excessive lane changes and excessive speed to name a few. These incidents/reports whether warranted or not, are reported by Law enforcement, other motorist and the majority by PT employees, and co-workers in their private vehicles. Not surprisingly the majority of these incidents seem also to be related to freeway coach operation.
As professional Coach Operators your mindset has to be different. Your job is to obey Washington State traffic laws and abide by the “safe” practices of commercial vehicle operation, and you will be told that when you’re pulled into the back office. It’s also really hard to “beat up” the phrase… “your willful violation of” … on a disciplinary notice, if you did it. Strange as it may seem the Washington State Patrol usually will not issue a citation for “speeding” until you reach a certain point i.e.; 7 plus mph over the posted limit. The governors on “some” but not all of our coaches are set at 65mph max. There seems to be on some occasions instances where Operators were in coaches that per communications with Maintenance can reach up to 70 mph on downgrades but will only do 65 mph max on level or upgrades but, have been reported by Supervisory personnel doing 70 mph. Perhaps the governor’s should be set at 55 mph and that way an Asst. Manager cannot discipline you for exceeding 60 mph. You can be a hazard at 55 or 60 mph due to your inability to merge, make safe lane changes etc. but you can’t be written up for exceeding the limit.
When you are given your paddle with a certain amount of run time on it, you should be able to complete your run by following posted speed limits and observing safety rules and traffic laws. You have very little control over traffic conditions or another late or missed trip. Contact dispatch for direction, you don’t have to do anything “unlawful” to catch-up. That would be Dispatch’s job to coordinate the movement of the coaches. If you need a restroom break, take it. It’s your right, health, maybe your life and it should also be factored into your running time. The reason we as Operators do not have established “Breaks” are twofold.
One, a break or break time can be negotiated, but what would be the parameters for a legitimate break? If it would be a truly negotiated break, that time would be the Operator’s time, “Out of Service” and the ability to use that time as one would see fit - Not a layover. When would you get your break? End of line at a Transit Center? Just prior to being relieved?
In the “old” days when we had runs with legitimate recovery time or something closer to a “break”, the majority seemed to be just prior to being relieved and of course by that time did you really want to sit for 20 minutes and then be relieved, or relieved and back to the base in that 20 minutes?
Two, federal regulations exempt Transit Operators from breaks based on the fact or rather “notion” that the recovery time at the end of your run on your paddle is legitimate i.e.; arrive 9:38 am depart 9:45 am supposedly you receive 7 minutes of recovery time. The frequency of this occurring is open for discussion. The bottom line is you cannot be disciplined for restroom usage, nor disciplined for driving to slowly if you’re obeying the law. Be Professional.
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Contract Negotiations
Thursday, May 26th marked the first day of contract negotiations between ATU Local 758 and Pierce Transit. The day consisted of both sides sharing their “interests”, setting ground rules for upcoming sessions and addressing housekeeping issues (i.e. outdated verbiage or possible implementation of side agreements negotiated over the past three (3) years into the upcoming contract.)
Your Union negotiation team consist of International V.P. Don Hansen, V.P. Lane Chase, Financial Sec/Trea Don McKnight, Journey Level Mechanic Russ Lowe and myself. Management’s team consist of CEO Don Monroe, V.P. H.R. and Labor Relations Marnie Slakey, V.P. Finance and Admin. Wayne Fanshier, V.P. Operations Jane Seymore and V.P. Maintenance Reed Hooks.
At first glance I think both parties realize that we may have mutual interests but, how we get there will be a “springboard” for the exchange of a vast and varying array of ideas and solutions. To that end, it is the “intent” of your negotiation team to bring you a contract that addresses the diversified needs and variables of our changing workforce.
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Lane Chase, Vice President/A.B.A.
V.president@atu758.org
“HOW LOUD IS YOUR LIFE?”
Last month I made reference to, “low frequency noise pollution and its effect on you.” Noise is an invisible pollutant, that’s been blamed for everything from hypertension and learning difficulties, to suicide. The very nature of our work puts us in a noisy environment. Some noises can become irritating and have direct effect on your job performance. After hours of exposure to banging wipers, squealing defroster fans, rattles and squeaks, to name just a few, it is no wonder you just want a few moments of quiet time. It’s only when the noise stops that you realize how quiet, “quiet really is.” Many studies have discovered that the noise problem is not getting any better. It is not that loud noise hurts your hearing, but the constant assault of sound batters you all day long. Chronic low levels of noise can damage your health. Noise has increased tremendously and is not necessarily, just a nuisance. Problems include: headaches, stress, fatigue, insomnia, high blood pressure, heart and digestive problems, immune system problems, aggressive behavior, learning problems, to name a few. Recently in Britain, officials estimated that 12 million people suffer from noise related problems. In Toronto, noise was blamed after a man was charged with shooting two of his neighbors to death. Tiredness and stressfulness can be directly related to noise. A recent study found even noise in an office can hurt workers’ performance. When compared to staff in a quiet room, workers in the noisier office had higher blood pressure, poorer concentration and focus- even though none of the workers even considered the noise a problem. Low frequency noise is especially dangerous, due its strong vibrations. These vibrations hug the ground and can travel for long distances without losing strength. Also, not much increase in volume is needed to have very negative effect on the human body. Even mild exposure requires several hours or even days to reverse the effects. Low level noise if amplified enough can even be used as a weapon and can kill. Man-made structures, such as engines, cars, buses, trains, motorcycles, and airplanes also produce low level noise, (welcome to our world). These low level vibrations, though harmful, can be pleasantly stimulating if keep at mild levels. Brief, mild exposure can give a feeling of invigoration for hours, ever wonder why those “Harley” riders appear so pumped after taking a quick ride? While a person may feel invigorated and euphoric, their body is being subjected to an elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, a release of endorphins, and the “fight or flight” release of adrenaline. All of these feelings and sensations aren’t coming from just dodging bugs while riding down the road. Depending on pitch and intensity low level sounds can cause physical pressure, fear, disorientation, negative physical and mental systems, and at extreme levels can explode cells in the body, incapacitate, and kill. Some good examples; in World War II, Nazi propaganda engineers used low level sound to stir up anger, excitement and hatred in large crowds that gathered to hear Hitler. Also it has been know for several hundred years the effects that pipe organs produce on people in churches and cathedrals. In on study in the UK bass frequencies instilled strange feelings at a concert hall. The effects were, “extreme sense of sorrow, coldness, anxiety, and even shivers down the spine.” Governments have been testing these very sound waves for use as weapons. Russia is supposed to have developed a low frequency, “Acoustic Bullet”. France built a sound generator in 1972 and when used made people in range, sick for hours. After all the studies of the harmful effects of low frequency sound our own Army is starting to produce their own “boom box cars”. The name of this “Humvee” is “Mountain Thunder”, and was designed to pump up and excite young soldiers, with the low frequency bass sounds. Noise is a part of our lives and especially part of our jobs as operators. We are exposed to these noises and more every day. These sounds can have a profound effect on you and your attitude, toward your job, customers, and even your family. Try to eliminate as many of these unnecessary noises you can. If you’re like me a howling fan or banging wipers become more and more annoying as the day progresses. I find that things are usually easier to tolerate at the beginning of my shift, and by the end I just want out of there. I encourage you to voice your concerns, to management and write those noises up. If enough of us make some noise maybe we will be heard.
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Don McKnight, Financial secretary/ Treasurer
finsec@atu758.org
I’d like to give you my perception of Alaska Airlines. What they’ve done to their long time loyal employees namely the baggage handlers is simply union busting. This is an airline that fairs far better than most in these troubled times and yet they’ve resorted to this drastic step. I have an Alaska frequent flyer account and have flown them almost exclusively. I will no longer fly Alaska Airlines. I will instead use the mileage I’ve earned on Alaska and use it on their partner airlines. I have flown on my last Alaska flight!
Our brother Gordon Duncan, a 50+ year member passed away last month. Our heart felt thoughts go out to his family.
The new International Constitutions have arrived. Please pick yours up from either an Executive Board Officer or our office.
Per Capita increase coming July 1st
Under section 18 of the constitution and general laws, the per capita and minimum dues rate for all active members must be adjusted each July based upon the annual percentage increase in the CPI published by the U.S. Department of Labor. How does this affect me?
For most of us, we currently pay 1% of our wages plus International per capita tax of $9.45 each month in union dues. Because of this, most of us are paying well in excess of the mandated minimum union dues per member of $40.50 in 2005. For members in this classification the increase will amount to .30 for a new minimum dues amount of $40.80.
For those members paying less than the minimum Union dues, the International mandates a formula designed to catch up to the level of the minimum dues. The formula is your current dues + $2.00 + $.30 per capita. In other words you can expect to pay an extra $2.30 in per capita taxes effective July 1st 2005. If you have any questions feel free to email me at finsec@atu758.org. Thanks
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Executive Board Report
On Thursday May 19 thru Sunday May 22, 2005, I had a chance to attend the ATU 38th Annual Black Caucus Conference with President Business Agent Isaac Tate, and Executive Board Officer Tyrone Ross. This was a local conference in Seattle and 39 locals were in attendance. Washington D. C. had the highest members in attendance with 30 from one local. Tyrone and I toured Metro’s Central base with about 70 other ATU members from around the country. While visiting we received a briefing from two of Metro’s station chiefs, both were former transit operators who were promoted. One from Central and the other from Atlantic base, we also received a briefing from two of Metro’s on duty police officers. After this briefing we visited local 587’s local hall and Union office, I was impressed. Later on we went to a welcome reception again I was impressed. Tyrone and I stayed briefly, long enough to eat and listen to one speaker; we didn’t want to miss our 10:04 pm sound transit bus back to Tacoma.
On Friday May 20th, our business meeting started at 9am. Tyrone and I caught the 6:55 am sound transit bus to arrive on time for our business meeting. After the introduction, Warren George our ATU International President was the first speaker and he was followed by many others. He spoke about social security, Medicare, our membership continues to grow and our finances are sound. He compared United Airlines pension to Transit’s budget. He spoke about the AFL-CIO, T-21 Transit budget, education, ATU is 188,000 strong and strength is to reach out and help others. The host, Local 587 President B.A. Lance Norton read a letter from Governor Chris Gregoire who was not in attendance. He also talked about ATU representatives, come from with-in and not outside like other companies.
Ron Sims King County Executive was in attendance and was a dynamite speaker. Harold Tanigirchi Director of Transportation spoke about King County transportations. Kevin Desmond General Manager for King County Metro said Metro is the 10th largest in the U.S. and the largest Union in King County with 4300 members. Larry Gosssett 10th district councilmember spoke about percent and numbers such as 1.8 million in King County and networking. John Lovick state Representative was also in attendance. Roy Jay President Enterprise Portland OR spoke about business and his eight companies. He showed us how to burn $5.00. Later during the caucus the half burned $5.00 was auctioned off. Ms Sibal Holt President AFL-CIO Louisiana was a dynamite speaker. Oscar Owens ATU International Secretary Treasurer spoke about ATU COPE and social security.
On Saturday May 21st, we watched a presentation from Metro’s Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM); scholarships were presented in honor of Bruce Pittman who is a retired International Vice President. The four high school students who won received $8,000, $5,000, $3,000 and $1,000, 1st – 4th place. International Secretary Treasurer Oscar Owens spoke again and elaborated about social security. On this day we also voted for a new Vice President for this caucus. It took about three hours to vote, here the candidates speak, and tally up the results; remember I stated in my first paragraph, 39 locals were present and everyone who was present voted. We also had two works shops, and two attorneys present one from Cleveland and the other from Seattle. We also talked about P.E.R.S., bonds, money and trusteeship.
On Sunday May 22, we departed after a farewell breakfast and discussed our dress code (professional attire). It was a very noteworthy and educational conference and I learned a lot, thank you letting me be one of your representatives for Local 758.
Lamarr Bond, E-Board Officer/Shop Steward Operations Position I
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On the 29th of April 2005, I took part in the "Interest Based Bargaining Training Session" with the Pierce Transit Management team and some of ATU's Executive Board Officers, our President and Vice President, also IVP Don Hansen. This was a very good training tool for me.
May 19-22, 2005, I attended the Amalgamated Transit Union Black Caucus- 38th Annual Conference Hosted by local ATU 587 Metro in Seattle. This was my first caucus and I was very impressed by all the talented speakers at the caucus. President Tate and Lamarr Bond also attended the caucus in Seattle. The theme for this year’s caucus was Continuity of Brotherhood all the speakers were very talented and spoke well on each topic at all the business sessions each day. The last day of the conference a choir from Galilee Church came with their pastor, they put on a wonderful performance. I would like to thank all the members for sending me to this year’s conference, and would very much like to attend next year’s conference. I would also like to thank all of our ATU Local 758 Drivers that gave me all the free rides to and from Seattle during the conference, Thank You!
If you need help with the VCR-Vehicle Condition Report I will help you. If you have any safety issues please write them up. Forms are provided for you in the drivers lobby.
In Solidarity,
Tyrone Ross Executive Board Officer, Operations Position II
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A.T.U Local 758 Annual Picnic
Sunday, July 17, 2005
It is that time of the year again to mark your calendars for the annual ATU picnic. The picnic will be Sunday, July 17, 2005 at the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club at 16409 Canyon Rd. The same place it has been for the past few years. Camping is available for Saturday night, July 16th. As in the past, there will be a bon fire get together social on Saturday evening. Bring your chairs and spirits.
Without you there would be no picnic. Volunteers are needed. Please contact Trina Skirko the Recreation Committee chair via her Operator’s mail box or cell 253-226-1794 or contact Operator Larry Dahlin who as always steps up and volunteers his own time to help put the annual ATU picnic together. Please get involved and volunteer. Thank you.
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Annual Golf Tournament
The annual golf tournament is Sunday, July 10, 2005 at Whispering Firs Golf Course on McChord A.F.B.
Operator Don Taylor is responsible for all registration. Please contact him via his Operator mail box. There are registration forms under the Union bulletin board in the Operator’s lobby at Pierce Transit and/or thru Don Taylor. The deadline is for registration is June 10, 2005. There are no late registrations allowed due to the strict guidelines McChord A.F.B. has in their security requirements.
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ANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT
Lane Chase, Vice President A.B.A
“Colonial Life Supplemental Insurance Choices” open enrollment is coming up soon. If you are not enrolled and want to be, watch for the dates on the Union Bulletin Board. You will have the opportunity to obtain Disability Income Insurance, Cancer Insurance, and Accident/Sickness Insurance. The cost of the insurance is at your expense and may be done by payroll deduction. The date will be sometime in June and is yet to be selected. I will post this information as soon as it is available.
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Grievance Update
Rex Longen: Arbitration vote 45 Yes 2 No - Will proceed to arbitration.
Ken Eddo: Grievance withdrawn, termination final.
Sha-Ron Jones: Step I Grievance meeting date pending.
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