Modified Shuttle Schedule: PT has posted notice of a modified SHUTTLE schedule on the shakeup for the days flanking Christmas and New Years. This informs Operators before signing, that the runs will have different beginning and ending times. Anyone coming to work will have 8 hours of SHUTTLE work. PT has agreed to give us SHUTTLE work, even if it means work normally given to Laidlaw. Because workshops and offices will be closed, demand for rides will be off about 2/3s. In return, I have agreed to make it as easy as possible for SHUTTLE Operators to take the day off, if they want to. This will not affect Operator vacations because the SHUTTLE days off are extra. Details are in a letter posted on the Union bulletin board. When feasting at the table, be sure the host also has food and drink.

DOT Medical Cards – A state law requiring all CDL drivers to have a current (2 year) medical card in their possession while operating a commercial vehicle took effect without transit or union lobbyists being aware of it. Legislators were unaware that Transit had an exemption, and so it passed into law July 27th with no grace period. Longview properties have already been complying, but PT was using the transit exemption and renewing medical cards with renewal of CDL license. The Union met with PT and negotiated an internal grace period until Nov 1st before PT would enforce compliance.

I had the pleasure of being dunk tank fodder for the American Heart fund raiser this month. The pleasure wasn’t in being dunked, but in doing something physical to support the volunteers who do so much, which includes the people who give money. Because so many are involved, I hesitate to mention names, but Deena Withrow did spend two hours in the tank. Thank you to all.

The ATU Longview Picnic will be Sunday, Sept 14th, 1:30 pm, at Paratransit’s Shop Steward, Ken Vodrup’s house, 601 N. 6TH St. Kelso 360-578-1996. Ken’s vision is for Operators from Paratransit and Cubs to meet and talk together, something that does not happen on the street. We look forward to seeing you there.

E-Board Officer Lane Chase has been working hard to advance our Union. He has been a leading force in bringing Email and a website to our local. He has worked equally hard to bring optional insurance to our members. He has given time to our Safety Oversight Committee, Bus Specification Committee, Bi-Law Committee, Operator Uniform meetings, ADA call out meetings, Shop Steward representations, numerous fund raisings, and fighting political initiatives (His wife, Toni, has been equally as giving). This month Lane wrote 3 news articles and was deserving of this introduction:

Voluntary Insurance, Local 758

After many months and details, the Union and PT have finally come up with this offering for the members of this local. The insurance company selected by the members at the union meeting is Colonial, a subsidiary of Unum. This is an entirely optional and voluntary choice on the member’s part. The member, not Transit, will pay the cost through payroll deduction. An overview of what to expect is as follows: Sept 18th, the local will be placing a packet in your mailbox. The packet will contain info on:

Short term Disability insurance      Accident Insurance      Cancer Insurance

This insurance will be offered as an after tax deduction, which will make any benefits received tax-free.

The most important thing to remember is to buy only what you actually need and not let stories or emotion sway your decision. After the initial enrollment dates, there will be semi annual enrollment opportunities. If you choose not to sign up during the initial enrollment, you will have another opportunity in about 6 months. Enrollment dates will be Oct 1st and 2nd, and if needed, Oct 3rd. The effective date of the insurance will be Nov 1, 2003. The insurance will have payroll deduction (lower cost to you) and is portable, meaning if you wish, when you leave transit, you can take the coverage with you. This insurance is also non coordinated which means the full amount of coverage you buy is paid to you, with nothing deducted for other insurance or sick leave, etc. The union will administer the insurance and there will be a modest monthly administration fee, yet to be determined, to cover the costs to the local. Initially the local was only trying to obtain Disability insurance, however due to the number of requests, Accident and Cancer Insurance are also being offered. In addition, there will be a mailing to your house for Accident and Cancer Insurance from a Union Insurance company, which will provide you further choices and comparisons.