Well Summer is here!!! Be safe in what you do whether it be on the job or off.
Update on Union Issues:
Stephanie Place-Transit Operator, has been appointed by the Union to represent your interest in the development of a Pandemic flu policy/disaster preparedness plan and I feel that Stephanie with her organizational skills, interest in her co-workers and the agency, as well as her military background makes her an excellent choice for this position.
Russ Lowe-JLM will be involved along with myself in discussion with Pierce Transit Management staff Gisela Ratajski and Tony D’Andrade regarding implementation of a Warehouse attendance policy and proposed contract language. Upon initial issuance of the policy the Union found issues that will require discussion and approval by the membership prior to implementation.
4/10 Committee-on hold. VP HR & Labor Relations Marnie Slakey has issued a letter of apology to the Task Force members. The big hang-up is Senior Operations Planning Manager Tim Payne being swamped with the new Shuttle program. Hopefully in the near future will be back to work on both the 4/10 and 30 hour packaged work for Relief Operators.
Photo Infractions: The Union did have discipline removed on behalf of a Transit Operator. Administration of the discipline in this case violated both the member’s constitutional and contractual rights and Management agreed.
Diabetes Exemption: The Union is addressing the issue of CDL renewal when an individual seeks a waiver or exemption. This is also being addressed at the International level, more info to come on this subject.
Contract Negotiations-Paratransit Services Longview/Kelso next session scheduled July 19, 2006. The Union team consist of IVP Don Hansen, VP Lane Chase, Shop Steward Seanna Wolff and myself.
Welcome back Transit Operator Joe Rochon. Joe after suffering a bout with illness has returned to work. Joe was missed by all and we are glad to have him back.
Grievance Update:
Syl Pelesasa-Two day suspension attendance violation. Held in abeyance Management proposal for settlement declined.
Rex Longen-Specialized Transportation Dispatcher-demotion-Arbitrator decision pending.
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Executive Board Report
Wheelchair boarding's in rural (ie Bonney Lake, Graham, Gig Harbor) areas was taken to
Community Services/ADA staff and the Safety Committee.
Often the slant of low floors can be a problem when there is not a concrete boarding pad at the zone, the passenger is unable to get up the ramp due to limited power of chair, etc. Per ADA regulations & PT policy (page J2, 6 & 7 in Operator’s manual) it requires the operator to assist/push the passenger up the ramp.
When a problem for the passenger and operator is identified at a zone operators are to prepare an incident report and attach one of the Yellow “Request for Bus Stop Change” forms located in the form rack. Please drop a copy of this report and the Yellow form in the ATU box drop.
Operators continue to identify tight runs as #1 and split shifts as the #2 problems. Seven operators and one supervisor have met with two managers to provide input about scheduling. We have been told that Management wants to hear about problems, will be accessible and will bring about change. Hopefully this is a commitment that our input be used, not just filed away to gather dust.
HEROS are many in our ATU membership. I especially want to recognize the Shuttle CSR’s, Schedulers, Supervisors, Dispatchers and Operators as well as our B-Board members. As I see it, Management has created several problems which lead to undo stress, fatigue etc, etc for the workforce. Management owns the problems. Hopefully they have solutions.
Please remember to seek ATU leaders and/or Shop Stewards when you are called to meet with Management. We do not have to meet alone with Management. Read your Weingarten Rights located on the ATU Bulletin Board and in this newsletter.
Georgia Twaites, E-Board Officer Shuttle CSR
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Annual ATU 758 Picnic and CampOver
The annual picnic and campover is the weekend of Saturday, July 15th and Sunday, July 16th, 2006. The campover starts anytime on Saturday and there will be a social get together that Saturday night (please bring your folding chairs and BYOB). Even if you do not camp out feel free to come out and enjoy the evening get together. If you are not staying the night, please have a designated driver. The picnic starts on Sunday from 12:00 noon to 5:00 PM. Volunteers are still needed, please contact Tyrone Ross at 253-861-0425 or Larry Dahlin 253-474-9945. There are always picnic tables provided but they are limited in quantities, you are encouraged to bring your folding chairs and/or tables if available. Your E-Board Officers have been and will continue to sell raffle tickets for cash prizes. You do not need to be present to win the cash prizes. However, we as your Union Officer’s would love to see you all there to enjoy your picnic that is put on for you as the member and your family. Please check out the flyer in this newsletter for additional information.
2006 ATU LOCAL 758 GOLF TOURNAMENT
Sunday July 9, 2006, 8:30 AM
Please be at the front gate by 7:30 AM
Whispering Firs Golf Course - McChord AFB, WA - 253.982.2124
For more information please contact: Tyrone Ross 253.861.0425 or Barry Aiton 253.941.9873 or the Union Office at 253.588.3651 GOOD GOLFING!!
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