Trying to get Management to understand sick leave usage and also the fact they read our Newsletter, I read an interesting article in the News Tribune the other day titled “Employees creative with excuses to skip work”. The most amazing thing to me as I read it, was immediately recognizing that a Manager or Management’s interpretation in many cases, would be the complete opposite of mine and many of our represented members especially in the Operator ranks. Experts state some may need personal time, but fear their boss won’t react well to the truth, or understand. (i.e. being burned-out because of the many inherent stressors and increasing stressors of the Operator position such as terrorist attacks contributing to more mental burn-out.) You request LW-No, Vacation-NO, if not one of the nine (9) guaranteed vacation slots, so what do you do? …. Sick Leave.
“Experts” say other reasons for calling in sick include, personal business, family business, run errands, a chance to relax and catching up on sleep. With no last minute mechanism to take care of something unforeseen, what can an Operator do to guarantee that time off? Call in sick.
The president of a Colorado based professional training Co. – The Productivity Pro. Inc. states she doesn’t mind if her employees call in sick, when they may not be. Her employees put in 50-60 hour work weeks on the job and she states it is her “duty” to make sure they “don’t” burn-out. Furthermore when you have an employee who is really committed, competent, very motivated they tend to overwork anyway. She understands Mental Health! We could sure use that understanding.
Close to 50% of our daily runs (splits) average 11.5 hours not including travel time to and from the job, personal business time and if any, family time, definitely fitting the criteria for using sick leave time to get much needed rest and a chance to live because of a 55 to 65 hour work week.
Many of our members have families, whose children may be involved in sports, school activities, parent and teacher conferences etc. that can’t be pre-scheduled sixty (60) days in advance to use vacation time, and your boss many be unwilling to work with you. In these instances the President of the aforementioned company states, you do what is natural for a parent to do; call in sick. You gotta love this woman.
Another agency Accounttemps surveyed executives who came to a consensus that people should just be honest with their employer, preplan your time off and get yourself covered if it’s an emergency. What happens when you preplan and still don’t get the time off? Sick leave, it’s guaranteed.
The president of the Herman Group a North Carolina “think tank” (oxymoron) can you have a “think tank” in N.C.? that focuses on work trends states, My advice to employees is to tell the employer the truth if you need a personal or mental health day, ask for it. What she doesn’t say is if you can’t get it and you need it, what would or could you do. I’m guessing call in “Sick”.
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Lane Chase, Vice President/A.B.A.
V.president@atu758.org
“OPERATOR FATIGUE MANAGEMENT”
The National Transportation Safety Board has found that the incidence of fatigue is underestimated in virtually every transportation mode because it is so hard to quantify and measure. Many times it simply is not explored as to the condition of the operators, the extent to which they have been deprived of sleep, and other characteristics of their alertness. It is very likely fatigue is a bigger contributor to incidents, accidents and fatalities than many realize. Fatigue has been linked to a number of major crashes, accidents, and costly, highly publicized incidents, ranging from the Exxon Valdez grounding to the collision of New York City subway trains on the Williamsburg Bridge. In July of 2000 a tug and barge skipper in the Puget Sound fell asleep at the helm, veered off course, and hit a bridge, messing up traffic for 12 days and causing an estimated $500,000 in damages.
There are diverse requirements across all transportation modes. There is no one simple fix, and there is, “no magic bullet.” Having the stamina to go the distance while, sacrificing alertness needed to perform safely is not the best way to go. The emphasis needs to be on ensuring that the operators have the, “endurance and alertness” to perform their jobs, “safely and effectively”. In assessing the problem and developing solutions, there is a need to consider the following: our mission and objectives of our job; individual factors such as sleep management, circadian rhythms, stress, conditions at places of rest (both at home and away) age, medical conditions, commuting times; predictability of work schedules, policies and procedures, scheduled time off, regulatory influences, and environmental factors at the work and rest facilities such as light levels, noise, vibration, temperature.
The key ingredient for success was the buy-in from senior managers and the involvement of everyone concerned. The true extent of operator fatigue is not well documented or for that matter even known. Until some of these conditions are solved I urge you to get your rest and protect your health.
“MCI MODIFICATIONS”
Isaac and I have been working on MCI modifications for a while now. Isaac wrote several letters and met with Safety and Training. In addition, after having talked to some of the operators about some of the problems they were experiencing with the MCI Coach, and experiencing these issues first hand, I had some meetings with Jane Seymore and Reed Hooks. Both were very receptive to the concerns that I voiced on behalf of the members. Since those letters and meetings the MCI right side mirrors have been addressed and are completed. Two other concerns are presently being resolved and should be taken care of soon. These are the inside mirror above the fare box and the transfer cutter. Both of these were injuries looking for the right moment to happen. The transfer arm is being redone with a longer arm. This is vastly improved from what was there. The inside mirror has been moved back under the overhang, and its size has been reduced. This should dramatically reduce the number of people banging their heads on the mirror. The mirror was reduced as much as possible while still trying to keep it big enough so as to not totally loose your visibility inside the coach. MCI Coach 9710 has been fitted, with the others to done soon, so take a look. Also on behalf of the members of this local that operate these coaches I want to thank Jane and Reed for taking these issues on and spearheading the resolving of them so quickly. I am sure an injury to one or more of our members, or passengers was avoided because of the cooperation and fast response to these potential liabilities.
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Executive Board Report
For those of you that are new or unaware, ATU 758 pays monthly dues to the Washington State Labor Council and the Pierce County Central Labor Council (PCCLC) thru our per capita tax.
I attended the PCCLC meeting on July 20th and “Jerry Beckendorf” asked us to emphasize the scholarship bowling event. You’re probably wondering, who is Jerry Beckendorf? He is a retired Labor advocate and Community Liaison from the United Way of Pierce County who is still active in this community. I have listed some information below and a contact number for those who are interested.
Upcoming Events:
- 5th Annual Car Show and Open House AMVETS Post #1 August 6th, 10 – 5 pm 5717 So. Tyler St, Admission Free for more information call 253-472-2552 or 471-0407.
- Solidarity Day XXV is on Sunday, August 21st the Fresno Grizzlies vs. the Tacoma Rainiers at 1:35 pm. Complimentary tickets were at the ATU picnic and will be at the dispatch window, Maintenance lunchroom and the Union office while supplies last.
- United Way Day of Caring and Campaign kickoff, September 16th.
- The second annual “Jerry Beckendorf” scholarship bowling tournament Sunday, September 25th 1 to 4 pm. Registration begins at noon, at Pacific Lanes 7015 South D St. Tacoma. I also have some registration forms for those who need it. A fee of $50 per bowler includes 3 games of bowling, shoes, food and beverages at this event as well as trophies for high scores and door prizes. For other sponsorship options: $100 (Listed as a sponsor in the program) $250 (Lane sponsor + ¼ page in program) $500 (Lane sponsor + 2 bowlers + ½ page in program) $1000 (Lane sponsor + 4 bowlers + full page in program). This event is sponsored by the United Way of Pierce County. For more information call Ashley Jones at (253) 272-4263.
Lamarr Bond, E-Board Officer/Shop Steward Operations Position I
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I wanted to take the time to thank all of those that participated in this year's ATU 758 picnic. I hope that more of you attend next year. I believe people really enjoyed themselves. There was plenty of food, and activities for the kids to enjoy. A special THANK YOU to all the volunteers, including the E-board officers and their family members. I don't want to forget anyone...you know who you are. You guys are the best!!!! Larry Dahlin was incredible again this year, remembering all that we needed for preparing and serving the food. Next up is the holiday party, December 17th at the King Oscar Convention Center. Stay tuned for details...
On June 23-26 I represented ATU 758 as the delegate for the 19th Annual Women's Caucus in Orlando, Florida. ATU Local 1596 Co-hosted the event at the Sheraton World Resort and Tower. The theme was Reflections of our Past, Present and Future. The activities over the weekend included; the election of Officers, a fitness challenge, guest speakers, including ATU International President Warren S. George, and workshops on Parliamentary Procedure and Internal Organizing/Community Organizing. Many of the attendants had been to the Conference before, and were very welcoming to those of us that were there for the first time.
We enjoyed catered luncheons on Friday and Saturday, which included guest speakers. The first speaker, Carolyn Jacobson, was from the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW) Education Dept.-Washington DC. She spoke on the Focus of Union Women: Pro Active Strategies to Live Longer. Her focus was on cervical cancer and educating women that this it’s the only form of cancer that women can prevent by yearly examination. The second speaker, Debbie Booth, President of AFL-CIO Central Florida Labor Council, gave us words of encouragement and unity.
The conference was educational and I met many nice people. Many of the attendees showed great passion and support for the Union. They also shared stories of struggles within their locals. The hottest topic was about using the restroom. Many of the delegates of large locals, including Chicago, spoke of how they have to go into restaurants and gas stations, while in service. There are no transit restrooms provided, and after 911 it has become harder to find local business owners that will allow them to use their facilities. One of the delegates stated that she “no longer asks” when she gets to a restaurant. She said she “tells them” that she is going in, or just walks past to see if anyone will say anything. The members of the caucus encouraged these locals to fight for their employers to provide restrooms. People were very passionate about this and other topics that were discussed.
After two of the days there were trips planned. I enjoyed a shopping trip to two malls and Universal City Walk. Some of the participants went on a casino cruise in the Atlantic Ocean and others went to Wet N Wild Water Park. LYNX provided the transportation to all the activities, Union brothers from the local volunteered their time to drive us around. The Sister and Brothers of Local 1596 were very kind and thoughtful in hosting this year’s event. Next year's Caucus is in London, Ontario, and will be the 20th anniversary of the event. I look forward to learning even more next year. If you are interested in seeing the literature I have from the trip, just let me know, I would be happy to make you copies.
Trina Skirko, E-Board Officer Operations Position III
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The last week of June, I attended the 19th Annual ATU International Women's Caucus Conference. The theme was "Reflections of our Past, Present & Future" and was co-hosted by ATU Local 1596 at the Orlando Florida Sheraton World Resort & Tower. After Registration the first day we were taken on a tour of the local transit system "Lynx" facilities. They have a new downtown facility which they have been in only six months. It has facilities for operators, passengers, a Customer Service office, Board Room and offices. Lynx has 237 buses, serving three counties over 2500 miles. They have been breaking ridership records every month this year.
Friday, Warren George, ATU International President, spoke to us on continuing efforts to organize the unorganized and education. International is holding seminars around the country which are open not only to Union leaders, but to Shop Stewards and other members. Welcoming remarks were made by Local 1596 President Paul Wilson and by LYNX CEO-Director Linda Watson. After which was a Wellness Clinic that focused on High Risk Factors for Women. After lunch we had nomination of Officers. All the Officers were retained except the Recording Secretary. I was appointed to the Sergeant At Arms Committee by President Jackie Jeter. This is a three year term position. I then attended a class on Internal Organizing taught by Karen S. Simmons and Janis Borchardt, both International Vice Presidents, which was quite informative. I brought literature back from the class, if anyone is interested in reading it. Saturday was the Business day with reports from all Officers and committees; also election to the open position of Recording Secretary and selection for the sight of next years convention, which is to be held in London, Ontario. This was a very enlightening and enjoyable conference and I would like to thank everyone for sending me.
Ginny Stevens, Admin E-Board Officer
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The problem is leaving the garage at your sign up time instead of your leave time so that you are assured of getting a quick break at the not so sani-can at Eastlake. Drivers have approached me about this particular issue and have asked, why aren't we given more time to get to Seattle? They don't think it is right to have to pre-trip the bus on their own time, then leave at the sign up time just to make sure that they can get to Eastlake in a timely manner. A day doesn't go by where you hear the Seattle supervisor on the radio inquiring about several over due buses. Obviously there is a problem. The real problem here is with the drivers that leave at their sign up time instead of the leave time. By leaving at the sign up time you give the system and the schedulers a false sense of, if it ain't broke, no need to fix it. We've addressed the problem and now the solution is self evident. They will add time when they realize there is a legitimate problem here. Remember, you are still entitled to a pit stop at Eastlake or you can stop at the La Quinta hotel with the large whale mural on the side of it. I don't know about you, but I don't have the capacity to go from Lakewood to Seattle and then to Purdy non-stop on a 595 route on today's unpredictable and congested roads. Be part of the solution and not part of the problem. Same could be said for the tight city runs where there just doesn't seem to be enough time according to the paddle. If it's broke, it WILL get fixed. We are a customer based business and schedules can be changed.
I don't know if you've seen the letter on the information board in the lobby concerning jay walking on 96th St. In essence the Lakewood police are going to be monitoring the cross walk area for a couple of weeks and enforcing RCW 46.61.240, crossing at other than cross walks. I understand they'll be issuing tickets etc. That's fine, it's a priority to them and they have a job to do. However, as a driver and a taxpayer, I would rather see another RCW enforced. That is the one that requires motorists to yield to buses pulling out of the bus zones on our city streets. I knew I couldn't lose with you over this issue. I guess that's why they call it preaching to the choir.
Barry Aiton, E-Board Officer Appointed Relief position
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Grievance Update
Rex Longen–, Arbitrator selection in progress– no date for arbitration at this time.
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In Memory
Phyllis J. Baker, Retired Operator-passed on July 7, 2005
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By-Law Vote
Per capita tax increase-vote August cycle of meetings.
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