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Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 758
News
July 2008 atu758.org Deborah Brown, Rec. Sec./Editor
President’s Report
Isaac O. Tate
GRIEVANCE
I would like to take this opportunity to explain the grievance arbitration process including how we
get there, why
««AddressBlock»» we arbitrate, and the duties of your Union as your representative.
The Union and Management only get to the arbitration level as a remedy when the initial steps in the
grievance process fails to reach a mutually agreed upon settlement. The process is outlined in your
contract under Article VIII – Grievance Procedure pages 7-11. There are two (2) different grievance
processes prior to reaching the arbitration level 1) Disputes involving contract interpretations, and
2) Grievances that involve disciplinary actions.
Prior to bringing the issue to the membership, the grievance has went through the steps 1, 2, and or 3
processes, and has been denied. If the Union, (I) feel it has merit it is reviewed by our attorney and
the Executive Board which acts as the Union Grievance Committee, and a recommendation is made
by the committee based on facts presented, merits of the grievance and our duties as your bargaining
unit representatives.
As your representatives, first we want to make sure all members in similar circumstances are treated
equally. Failure to do so could result in disparate treatment. That doesn’t mean the Union is
opposed to remedies regarding certain circumstances and remedies for settlement of said issues prior
to arbitration. Management, the Union may feel, did not prove its case possibly due to failure to
consider length of service, service record, employee evaluations, compliments and awards,
attendance history, and or management’s failure to adhere to its own policy and procedures to name
a few. Probably the most important reason to pursue a grievance to arbitration is, the outcome
of the decision could very well adversely affect the working conditions of other members
of the Local.
The next step per the Local by-laws is, a Special Meeting is scheduled. The notice and business of the
special meeting must be posted thirty (30) hours before the meeting is held. Only the business as posted
will be discussed. The rationale behind setting the time for the special meeting is to encourage as much
member participation as possible. Our last special meeting was held at 2:30 pm in the afternoon, but
didn’t convene until 2:50pm. Why, because at that particular time Operators who signed early morning
runs are usually relieved by 2:00pm. Maintenance shifts that start between 5:00am and 6:00am are done
by that time, and I’m sure there were a lot of other members who were also available during that time
period.
Well, four (4) members attended the special meeting. We then conducted a presentation the
following evening at our Charter meeting in which approximately 20 members attended.
Conversation at a later meeting ensued regarding an all day vote. A Special Meeting is just that
A Special Meeting. This differs from a contract vote or an election of Union Officers in which
information, has been distributed prior to the election or vote. In these instances members have
information and circumstances would not necessitate a special meeting. With this information a vote
can be held for up to fourteen (14) hours in a day, which is our practice on those occasions. A
presentation of facts and factors are presented “at” the special meeting and that is what you vote on,
not lobby Lawyers, lunchroom talk or rumors.
If the vote is to arbitrate, we then “again” contact our attorney who in turn contacts the agency’s (PT)
attorney, both of whom then mutually agree upon an Arbitrator.
The last step is the hearing and Arbitrator’s decision.
RELIEF OPERATOR REPRESENTATIVE
The Officers and Executive Board members of ATU 758 welcome aboard Relief Transit Operator
Jery Hardeman. Jery will fill the role of Relief Transit Operator representative. Jery began his
career at Pierce Transit in October of 2007. Prior to his employment at Pierce Transit he drove shuttle
for Laidlaw and previously worked in the printing industry. In his Union role in that industry he
served as a Shop Steward a total of 10 years. Seven years he served as a steward, and three years as
Chief Shop Steward for the Graphics and Communications Union Local #747, which other duties also
included contract negotiations.
Your Executive Board feels Jery will be a valuable asset to both the Union and his fellow co-workers.
Welcome aboard Jery!
CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
The present contract expires June 30, 2008, and as been stated before we will continue to work under
the present contract we presently have, until such time as another is ratified by you the members.
Your negotiation team is not going to rush through this process. It is not uncommon for a contract to
not be ratified or settled until a year or more after expiration of the previous contract. In past contract
talks with Pierce Transit we have had negotiations that have lasted until November. The contract will
get done. You will and still have a contract, and when a new proposal is presented and approved, any
wage adjustments will be retroactive back to June 30th of this year. (We have ten (10) sessions
scheduled in July, so things are picking up).
PHOTO INFRACTIONS
Please be aware of your surroundings. It appears discipline is on the rise regarding photo infractions. (This
applies to everyone who drives an agency vehicle). School zones are still monitored as well as an increasing
number of intersections. In school zones these cameras are year round money makers and the rationale for
enforcement; at anytime there may be school activity. Regarding the intersection photo infraction; be aware
there is no need to rush. You are paid by the hour and your paddle should give you adequate time to complete
your trip at the posted speed limits. If it doesn’t that is not your fault. If you are pressing because you need a
restroom break and worrying about not having enough time to get your break, guess what you have the right to
use the restroom. Yep, whether you’re running a little behind or not, take your break. It’s your health. Please
contact the Union office if you’re threatened with any disciplinary action regarding your ability to use the
restroom.
Vice President’s Report
Lane Chase
Who is William D. Mahon??
Most likely, almost none of you know who he is.
A “Union” person is someone who can take care of themselves in many puzzling situations, yet
they chose to bind together, for the common good. They seldom look for help elsewhere
because they know the “Union” is their first line of assistance. They tend to land on their feet,
no matter what problem they are dealing with. A “Union” person, treats their fellow members
respectfully, and is willing to sacrifice on behalf of their fellow members. A Union person puts
the good of the membership first, while, at the same time, trying to improve their own lives. A
“Union” person, seldom if ever gets credit, for which they are due. A “Union” person realizes
that their world and their fellow member’s world will be a better place because of their efforts.
The preceding paragraph is about Union members in general. The thoughts in the words above,
talk about the resiliency of the “Union” member, and the organization to which they belong.
At the Northwest Conference, which I recently attended a speech was read by IVP Don
Hansen. The speech had language, which was dated and no longer politically correct. The
speech dealt with being a “Union” officer. What it takes to deal with being in a “Union”
officer position, while, being a member. The thoughts and principles of that speech, which I
have very, very loosely talked about, have not changed much, if at all.
William D. Mahon was the International President of ATU and his words written in 1903
demonstrate that things have not really changed at all. In fact, they ring true more than ever.
Forces from many different interests are constantly trying to erode or take away what we have
achieved. “SOLIDARITY= UNITY, COMMONALITY, COHESION!
Thank-You to the Sponsors of the Golf Tournament!
American Income Insurance Bright Now Dental
La Palma Restaurant Two Koi Restaurant
Whispering Firs Golf Course Brink & Sadler
These sponsors have generously donated merchandise, or that ever-popular option cash.
Their contributions have made it possible to improve our annual tournament yet again.
On behalf of myself, and Committee Chair Tyrone Ross and ATU 758, I want to thank
these sponsors for their support.
Thank-You!
All Prizes, Awards, and Expenses: paid by the Sponsors, Tournament Golf Insurance, and Player Green Fees.
JULY 26TH, 2008, Tee-Off 8:00 AM
ENTRIES MUST BE RECIEVED BY JULY 15TH, 2008
Grand Prize---Hole-In-One---$20,000.00!!!!
Bonus Hole-In-One Prizes
Golf Vacation for Two via Aer Lingus to Ireland---$10,000 value
Golf and Gambling Package for Two, Foxwoods Resort Casino, CT. (worlds largest casino)-
-$1,500 value
Golf Vacation for Two at the Shawnee Inn & Golf Resort-in the
(“Pocono’s” Pennsylvania)---$1,500—value
Putting Contest
Three lucky players will each putt for $1,000 cash!
Team Prizes
First Place---$400.00---$100.00 each player
Second Place---$300.00---$75.00 each player
Wild Card Team #1---$250.00---$62.50 each player
Wild Card Team #2---$150.00---$37.50 each player
Last Place---$100.00---$25.00 each player
KP’S
Men’s and Women’s KP is---$25.00 each player
Longest Drive
Men’s and Women’s Longest Drive is---$25.00 each player
“162”
The Most Ever
Gifts--Tee Prizes—Drawings
A collector Logo Ball for each player in the tournament!
THIS IS A SYNOPSIS OF THE PRIZES FOR THE 14TH ANNUAL ATU 758 GOLF TOURNAMENT. ALL PRIZE AWARDS ARE AT THE DISCRETION
OF THE TOURNAMENT COMMITTEE, AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF HOLE-IN-WON GOLF.COM APPLY.
TRIP PRIZES SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AND BLACK OUT DATES, SOME TRIPS MAY BE EXCHANGED FOR ANOTHER BASED ON
AVAILABILITY.
All Prizes, Awards, and Expenses: paid by the Sponsors, Tournament Golf Insurance, and Player Green Fees.
ATU 758 ANNUAL PICNIC
SUNDAY JULY 20, 2008
12:00pm - 5:00pm
Tacoma Sportsman Club
16409 Canyon Rd E,
Puyallup, WA
253-537-6151
~~~~~~~~~~
for information call
Tyrone Ross ~ 253-861-0425
Camp-out Saturday July 19, 2008 (BYOB)
Bring your folding chairs!!
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
There will be a COPE drive, Voter registration and
Fund Raiser (Candles, knick knacks, etc.)for ATU 758 Women’s Caucus
(if you have anything you want to donate contact Deborah Brown (253)297-7161 or
email at recsec@atu758.org or kingsgirlme@msn.com)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
ATU Picnic Tickets For
2008 Drawing
Drawing at Picnic on
Sunday July 20, 2008
Winner need not be present.
1st Prize - $300
2nd Prize - $200
3rd Prize - $100
GET YOUR PICNIC TICKETS
TODAY!!
$1.00 each or 6 for $5.00
Meeting Attendance Award Program
Earn a chance to be in a monthly drawing
for $50.00 each month a quorum is met.
At the end of the year, you could win $300.00, your name
will go in a drawing for each time you attended a meeting.
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
May 2008 Attendance award winner is Barbara Coonse
~
June 2008 Attendance award winner is Tim Rimmer
Congratulations!
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
JULY’S MEETING SCHEDULE
Thursday, July 10, 2008, at 7:30PM-
4500 Steilacoom Blvd, CPTC Building 3 Rotunda
Friday, July 11, 2008, at 10:00AM
6923 Lakewood DR. W, B-1 (Union Office)
Tuesday, July 15, 2008, at 7:30 PM
Longshoreman’s Hall, 627 14TH AVE (Longview)
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
IN REMBERANCE
John H. Murphy, one of our 50 year members passed away June 2, 2008 at the age of 91.
John drove for the City of Tacoma and retired from Pierce Transit in 1982. If you enter the
front reception area in Bldg. 4 and go up the stairway, you’ll see a picture of John Murphy
right above the first flight of stairs on the left hand side.
Our sincere condolence to the Murphy family.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Have a safe and happy summer!
QUICK REMINDER - CHANGE OF ADDRESS
I you have a change of address or phone number, please contact the Union office at the time you contact
Pierce Transit with the change. Changes are sent to the Office from PT, but we may not receive it for up
to a month after the change. Thank you.
WEINGARTEN RIGHTS
If this decision could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, I respectfully
request that my Union Representative, Officer or Steward be present at this meeting. Without representation present, I choose not
to answer any questions.
NEXT MONTH’S MEETING DATES
««AddressBlock»»
Thursday, August 14, 2008, at 7:30PM in Union Hall,
4500 Steilacoom Blvd, CPTC Building 3 Rotunda
Friday, August 15, 2008, at 10:00AM
6923 Lakewood DR. W, B-1 (Union Office)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008, at 7:30 PM
Longshoreman’s Hall, 627 14TH AVE (Longview)
Executive Board
Thursday, August 7, 2008 at 3:00PM (Union Office)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EMAIL ADDRESSES AND CONTACT NUMBERS
Isaac Tate President B.A: president@atu758.org 253-640-9111
Lane Chase V. President A.B.A: v.president@atu758.org 253-297-9110
Don McKnight Financial Sec/Trea: finsec@atu758.org 253-970-2912
Deborah E. Brown Recording Sec: recsec@atu758.org 253-297-7161
Pattie Clark Office Admin: unionoffice@atu758.org 253-474-3123
Amalgamated Transit Union, Local #758 Non-Profit Org.
6923 Lakewood DR W B1
U.S. Postage
Tacoma, WA 98467-3221
PAID
Tacoma, WA
Permit 734
