There is a direct connection between the ballot box and your Paycheck. That was the clear message at the NW Joint Conference that ATU Locals attended in Vancouver, which included Isaac Tate, Cathie Parker, Joe DiGiulio, and myself. A resolution was passed that requested ATU to commission a technical study of blind spots on coaches, which would include fare boxes and mirrors, and, that the results be sent to transit agencies, coach mfrs, & transit safety organizations. This study could help in defending operators involved in blind spot accidents, and encourage the reduction of blind spots created by design. New officers were also selected for the Conference.
We congratulate Cathie Parker, who was elected Financial Secretary–Treasurer for the NW Conference.
Security on Buses– 2 weeks ago, one of our operators was robbed & assaulted on the last trip to Dupont Transit Center. Fortunately the injury was minor. We are grateful it was no worse. The significant loss was his wedding ring, worn for 21 years. In addition to the assault, Operators were concerned that nothing was put out over the radio. We expressed this to PT and they agree a better job can be done. PT is creating a procedure to inform Operators of events that happen in our system, over the radio, rather than waiting for a memo. In a similar fashion, last year a procedure was created to notify buses and send a supervisor or police, when going into an area where an object struck a bus previously. Although all of this seems like common sense, we have gotten so large that procedures need to be created to ensure these improvements happen consistently.
PT has announced that they will leave the Dispatch Coordinator position vacant and will instead create an Assistant Manager position that will assume duties from the other Assistant Managers. Our attorney advises that the wisest course of action is to see how the duties shake out. Because of overlapping job responsibilities between other dispatchers and assistant managers, the waters get muddy.
Lenny Mykland has been selected Manager of Scheduling, a non-represented job. We congratulate him on a long earned promotion. As a welcome to the job gift, Jesse Orr and the Union are putting together an Operator survey that will highlight tight connections at Transit Centers. We are pleased Lenny’s promotion came from within, which should create additional promotional opportunities. Lenny has served on our Executive Board for many years, representing the Service Supervisor position. Lenny was a proponent of keeping Union costs down. He was also known for saying, “Be careful what you ask for” (meaning be aware of the repercussions and unwanted results that can follow). Lenny brought balance and wisdom to the Board. I have asked Don McKnight to fill in for the remainder of Lenny’s term, which expires at the end of this year. Don has been involved with Union activities in the past, attends Union meetings, and has shown strong interest in keeping costs contained. Don will represent the Membership well.
It was nice to see someone as healthy and attractive as Patty Anderson retire at 53 (no, you can’t do it on Pers II). In attendance was Patty’s Dad, retired driver, Charles Anderson. Unfortunately, Charles was in failing health and passed away a week later. Patty was grateful he was able to make it to her celebration. Our hearts go to the family, which includes Joe Caro.
Social Security is taking a gentle step forward. PT has agreed to have an agency-wide mock vote in September, as close as possible to the real thing. The vote will include both rep and non-rep employees. Education sessions will be planned before the vote. If the vote goes down, it will go no further. If it passes, PT will begin planning for an actual referendum vote. This will include shaping the budget for the payroll tax expense, and including it in contract negotiation discussions. I think every one should appreciate having a choice and deciding if it’s right for you.
Operator 4-10s. It’s been hard getting us all together. We’re trying to get another meeting planned in late July. After this meeting, I hope the information will finally be given to the Operators. My desire is to have all the information given to Operators at once, rather than parts coming out piece meal.
Bus Plus service transporting people to the nearest bus stop has begun under a grant, servicing the area between 112th and 224th, and, Pacific and Meridian, where there is currently no service. Passengers must call the day before. Our agreement allows PT to use contractors for this call up service, as long as we lose no hours. In return we received paid relief's downtown, increased daily vacation slots, and in-house drivers when Bus Plus has a schedule, which is expected to happen in this area next year.
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Vice President’s Desk
“4/10’s – Part II Relief Operators”
This is a follow-up to Part 1 of my previous article regarding 4/10 work assignments.
Part 1 was not published in the previous newsletter due to the fact President/B.A. Altmann felt it contained misleading information, though I strongly disagree.
To echo the sentiments of our International President and International Vice-President, you must educate your members regarding their negotiated contract so that they can make informed and educated decisions regarding their livelihoods.
Part 1 can be accessed by clicking here. I would also be happy to supply you with a photo copy upon request.
I have chosen to address concerns and issues brought to my attention by both Relief and Regular Operators in the past weeks. Maybe not so much concerns, but questions. Not so much Regular, but Relief's.
Question: Why or what is happening with the 4/10’s and why “NO” information on issues regarding them?
In responding to inquires, I try to give as much truthful information as possible as it applies to the individual, and their negotiated contract (see Part1) for starters (atu758.org Vice President)
Question: Why with little or “no” information or misinformation are certain individuals
pushing for 4/10’s?
I don’t know!
Question: Why is the Safety and Training manager pushing for 4/10’s?
This is a good one. If you are presently a “Relief” Operator it could very well be another 10 years (at least) before you would be able to sign a 4/10 assignment if they were implemented.
A member (Relief Operator) also stated in conversation with the Safety and Training manager, that the Union had voted down several proposals to make life easier for Relief Operators. Could this be the proposal(s) to have (i.e. this shake-up number of trippers), 18-20 relief's, sign two pieces of work totaling 4-5 hours a day and be locked-out of any other work or hours?? I can’t think of any other proposal by management or Safety and Training except this “type”. Could this open the door to Relief's “signing” part-time work? Actually I’m waiting for a management proposal that has 25 pieces of Relief Operator work, the rest of our Operators full-time, 7-8 hours per day, (as a lot of agencies do) to address the issue(s) of fatigue, stress, family and social life, health and well-being as a whole. Actually I made this proposal to management (35 hours guaranteed minimum) in negotiations regarding “contracting” out the Hybrid Service.
Unfortunately this was shot down by both a “fellow” team member in front of management the reasoning, 35hrs. was “unreasonable” (23hrs. would be acceptable), and management, although stating they did not want to “tie” Relief Operator issues to the Hybrid negotiations, countered with a “50hr.” pay period.(another can of worms)
Question: If Pierce Transit keeps hiring more and more relief Operators and instead of
converting O.T. runs (9hrs. 30mins. plus) to 4/10’s, and they convert 7-8 hour
runs to 4/10’s with the trippers we do now, does that mean less work and we get
closer to the twenty (20) hour weekly guarantee?
In my mind it would seem so. But…. if I’m wrong Marnie Slakey the V.P. of H.R. and Labor Relations will dutifully chastise me in the next Labor/Management meeting, if not sooner.
Question: If a Relief Operator is assigned a 4/10 run would they still get O.T. after 8
hours?
The present contract states such.
Question: Could this change?
As with the other articles noted in Part 1 this is a negotiated item. It could or could not.
When negotiating, until a final agreement is reached nothing is cast in stone regardless of the pre-negotiation intent of either party.
These are just a few of the questions I’ve tried to address. I’m sure there may be more.
In Solidarity
Isaac O. Tate V.P. /A.B.A.
V.pres@atu758.org
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Cathie A. Parker
Financial Secretary/Treasurer
This is a very important political year for all of us as transit workers, regardless of the position you have as an A.T.U. member. Transit funding (your job) is being attacked from several sides. One of the ways you can fight back is through the Committee on Political Education. (COPE). ATU-COPE represents your interests at every level of government. The more members that contribute to COPE, the bigger impact you the worker will have on protecting your job and your wages. ATU-COPE will be able to support more pro-labor, pro-transit candidates, regardless of political affiliation , who will fight to preserve transit worker collective bargaining rights, to preserve health and safety laws, to ensure the security of transit workers in the workplace by mandating federal requirements for transit security plans and to increase transit funding. In addition, by pooling our money, we have the strength to fend off attempts toward privatization of transit services, as well as attacks on Section 13(c) and transit funding.
If you wish to contribute to ATU-COPE, or wish to increase your current contribution, please stop by the Union office and pick up a checkoff authorization slip. If you have any questions, feel free to call the office at (253)588-3651
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Recreational Events: Our ATU softball team has three more games at Sprinker Field in Spanaway in July. Dates are posted on the bulletin board. Everyone is invited to watch them slide into home-plate. The ATU sponsored Golf tournament, coordinated by Don Taylor, is slated for July 11th on McChord Air Force Base. Jeff Clark, Manager of the course, and husband of Union Secretary, Pattie Clark, was instrumental in creating a favorable situation. The ATU PICNIC will again be at the Sportman’s club at 164th and Canyon Rd. Everyone enjoys this event. There’s something for everyone; activities for kids and adults, good barbeque, sun and shade, trees and open fields, and camping the night before. The picnic itself begins noon on Sunday, July 18th. All are welcome!
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Have you checked your check lately? Recently some of our members have discovered that they do not have the deduction BGLI appearing on their check. This deduction is for basic group life insurance, and is very economical. It gives the member one years salary death benefit. You can still get this if you desire. If you want this coverage check with Human Resources, and get signed up. The process will take a little while but, it can be done. Keep in mind that transit bears half the cost of this insurance for you.
Lane Chase, Executive Board Officer
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In the May newsletter President Altmann mentioned that we graduated from Union Counselor Activist Network, a six week class. We graduated from the advanced course at Bates Technical College on April 30, 2004. The course was sponsored by the Pierce County Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO in partnership with United Way of Pierce County. Some of the topics covered were: United Way of Pierce County Help-line, Campaign Department, Domestic Violence, Relatives Raising Children, Foster Care, Basic Health of Washington, Milam Recovery Center and a visit to the Tacoma Rescue Mission. The course was very informative and we have a lot of information on contacts if you ever need help. Maybe you don't need the help but your neighbor might.
Recently I had the opportunity to serve on the Jerry Beckendorf Scholarship committee, sponsored by United Way of Pierce County. This committee lasted about three months. On June 16th I was able to attend the Pierce County Central Labor Council meeting where 5 of the 9 individuals were in attendance to receive their checks for college. The individuals who received scholarships were Tory Silvestrin ($500.00), Brian Dyson ($400.00), Jena Lipp ($300.00), Tatyana Misyura ($250.00), Mukasiachoono Musokotwane ($200.00), Kelsey Dawson ($145.00), Donn Vey ($125.00), Rachael Herrick ($125.00) and Catlin Duncan ($125.00). If you know any of these students, perhaps you should congratulate them.
Lamarr Bond, Executive Board Officer
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Have a happy and safe 4th of July.
Barbara Strong-Nelson, Executive Board Officer
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