In Transit - July/August 2007

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Official Journal of the Amalgamated Transit Union AFL-CIO/CLC

Union to Celebrate Resurgence of Workers Making ‘The Right Move’ at International Convention

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Transit Worker Assault

ATU Promotes Higher Penalties

Building Hope

ATU Sponsors New Orleans Habitat for Humanity Houses

ATU Activists Win!

AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS WARREN S. GEORGE International President

MICHAEL J. SIANO

International Executive Vice President

MESSAGE DU PRÉSIDENT INTERNATIONAL PAR WARREN S. GEORGE ATU: L’approche Idéale Alors que vous lisez cette rubrique, nous avons entamé le compte à rebours de la tenue de la 55ème Conférence internationale de l’ATU. Le thème de notre 55ème Convention est le suivant : “ L’approche idéale”. 115 ans durant, l’ATU a représenté l’option idéale pour ses membres à travers les États-Unis et le Canada. Les trois dernières années témoignent de la croissance dynamique de cet important syndicat.

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ATU: L’approche idéale pour l’Organisation : Lors de la dernière Convention, les délégués se sont clairement prononcés. Ils voulaient un programme d’organisation propre à faciliter la croissance du syndicat pour l’avenir. En réponse, nous avons créé et organisé un comité comprenant des représentants de plusieurs syndicats locaux actifs et en novembre 2006, nous avons mis sur pied le Département d’organisation de l’ATU. Nous avons abouti à d’étonnants résultats, non seulement en fait d’augmentation du nombre de membres, mais plus important encore, en fait de dirigeants de syndicats et d’activistes locaux que nous avons formés et qui prennent part maintenant à de nouvelles campagnes d’organisation. À cette Convention, c’est avec fierté que je soumettrai un rapport sur les victoires enregistrées à travers les États-Unis et le Canada, ainsi que sur le corps de près de 100 activistes formés par les membres organisateurs.

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ATU: L’approche idéale pour la Politique et la Législation : Nos membres ont travaillé avec acharnement pour assurer l’élection en 2006 au Congrès des États-Unis, de représentants bien disposés envers les travailleurs; les résultats ont été extraordinaires. Ils ont eu recours à des banques de téléphones ; ils ont fait du porte-à porte ; ils ont assisté à des réunions et bourré des enveloppes. Toutes ces initiatives ont provoqué une forte et enthousiaste réponse de nos membres dont des centaines ont volontairement offert leur temps comme activistes de l’ATU. Nous avons travaillé avec le gouvernement fédéral de nos deux pays, avec le Congrès et le parlement, ainsi qu’avec les administrations provinciale, étatique et locale. Nos efforts se sont soldés par d’étonnants succès.

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ATU: L’approche idéale pour une Représentation : Nous avons renforcé les capacités de nos syndicats locaux et de notre personnel pour les habiliter à négocier de bons contrats et à vous représenter au lieu de travail. Pendant ces trois ans, nous avons placé en ligne notre base de données sur la négociation collective et l’arbitrage et maintenant, nos cadres et notre personnel ont accès à l’information dont ils ont besoin pour être efficaces. Nous cherchons à améliorer notre base de données pour assurer un accès immédiat à un plus fort volume d’information .

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ATU: L’approche idéale pour l’Éducation: Nous avons accru nos programmes d’éducation à l’intention de nos cadres et membres syndicaux locaux , en incluant des séminaires régionaux assortis d’une formation plus diversifiée. À l’avenir, nous disposerons de manuels de formation en ligne et nous élargirons davantage nos programmes éducatifs.

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ATU: L’approche idéale pour les Communications: Nous avons amélioré et mis à jour notre magazine pour le rendre plus accessible aux lecteurs et plus pertinent pour nos membres. En même temps, nous déployons des efforts pour améliorer notre site Internet qui offrira des capacités de téléchargement et des modules d’éducation interactifs. Nous avons mis sur pied le ATU Weekly Action Update par courriel. Nous nous sommes engagés à élargir les communications avec nos membres au fur et à mesure qu’évolue la technologie.

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ATU: L’approche idéale pour la Diversité: L’ATU a non seulement adopté une Déclaration sur la diversité consacrant par écrit ce que nous pratiquons de longue date, mais encore notre Conseil général d’administration et nos Représentants internationaux reflètent la diversité de nos membres. Nous continuerons d’effectuer ce genre de nominations à l’avenir.

OSCAR OWENS

International Secretary-Treasurer

International Vice Presidents TOMMY MULLINS Roanoke, VA – mullins@atu.org

JOSEPH WELCH Syracuse, NY

RODNEY RICHMOND

New Orleans, LA – rrichmond@atu.org

DONALD T. HANSEN

Tenino, WA – dhansen@atu.org

ROBERT H. BAKER

Washington, DC – bb@atu.org

LARRY R. KINNEAR

Ashburn, ON – lkinnear@atu.org

RANDY GRAHAM

Gloucester, ON – rgraham@atu.org

JAVIER M. PEREZ, JR.

Kansas City, MO – jperez@atu.org

RICHARD M. MURPHY Braintree, MA

BOB M. HYKAWAY

Calgary, AB – bhykaway@atu.org

CHARLES COOK

Petaluma, CA – ccook@atu.org

WILLIAM G. McLEAN

Reno, NV – wmclean@atu.org

RONALD J. HEINTZMAN

Mt. Angel, OR – rheintzman@atu.org

JANIS M. BORCHARDT

Madison, WI – jborchardt@atu.org

Alors que nous allons hardiment de l’avant, nous continuerons de faire de l’ATU l’approche idéale pour les travailleurs que nous organisons et les membres que nous représentons.

UN MENSAJE DEL PRESIDENTE INTERNACIONAL POR WARREN S. GEORGE ATU: La Medida Más Acertada Mientras que usted lee esta columna, nosotros estamos en los días finales que preceden el inicio de la Quincuagésima Quinta Convención de la ATU. El tema de la Quincuagésima Quinta Convención es “La Medida Más Acertada.” Durante ciento quince años, la ATU ha sido la medida más acertada para sus miembros a través de todos los Estados Unidos y el Canadá. Los últimos tres años han demostrado el dinámico crecimiento de esta gran organización laboral.

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ATU: La Medida Más Acertada para Organizar: En la última Convención, los delegados dejaron bien claro sus deseos. Ellos querían un programa de organización que aumentara el crecimiento de nuestra Unión hacia el futuro. Nosotros respondimos creando un comité de organización consistiendo de representantes de varias uniones locales activas, y posteriormente, en noviembre del 2006, creamos el Departamento de Organización de la ATU. Y hemos conseguido resultados increíbles – no solamente en el crecimiento en la membresía – pero más importante aun en el número de líderes de uniones locales y activistas que nosotros hemos capacitado y los cuales se han involucrado en nuevas campañas de organización. En esta Convención, yo con mucho orgullo informaré sobre las victorias que hemos realizado por todos los EE.UU. y el Canadá, y sobre los casi 100 miembros del cuerpo de activistas del grupo Miembros Organizadores que hemos desarrollado.

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ATU: La Medida Más Acertada para la Acción Política y el Proceso Legislativo: Nuestros miembros trabajaron arduamente para asegurar que representantes amigables con los trabajadores fueran elegidos al Congreso de los EE.UU. en el 2006 y ellos realizaron resultados fenomenales. Ellos trabajaron en bancos telefónicos, hicieron gestiones de puerta-a-puerta, asistieron a mítines y concentraciones y rellenaron sobres con material didáctico. El resultado más asombroso fue la entusiasta respuesta de nuestra membresía; cientos de miembros se presentaron como voluntarios para ser Activistas de la ATU. Nosotros hemos trabajado con los gobiernos federales de ambos países, con el Congreso y con el Parlamento y con gobiernos provinciales, estatales y locales logrando un éxito asombroso.

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ATU: La Medida Más Acertada para la Representación: Nosotros hemos aumentado las capacidades de representación de nuestras uniones locales y del personal administrativo para negociar buenos contratos y representarlo a usted en el sitio de trabajo. Durante estos últimos tres años, nosotros hecho públicas las cláusulas de nuestro contrato colectivo y el sistema bases de datos usados en el arbitraje a través de la Internet para que nuestros dirigentes y el personal administrativo ahora tengan acceso inmediato a la información que ellos necesitan para ser efectivos en su trabajo. Y estamos preparándonos para mejorar estas bases de datos para que más información esté inmediatamente disponible.

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ATU: La Medida Más Acertada para la Educación: Nosotros hemos aumentado nuestros programas de educación para los dirigentes de las uniones locales y representantes de enlace sindical, incluyendo seminarios regionales con una capacitación más diversa. En el futuro, nosotros tendremos manuales de capacitación disponibles a través de la Internet y además planeamos aumentar el número de nuestros programas de educación.

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ATU: La Medida Más Acertada para las Comunicaciones: Nosotros hemos mejorado y actualizado nuestra revista informativa para que la misma sea más amena y pertinente para nuestra membresía. Al mismo tiempo, nosotros hemos estado trabajando para mejorar nuestro sitio Web en la Internet, el cual pronto ofrecerá formularios que pueden descargarse y también módulos interactivos de educación. Nosotros establecimos La Actualización de la Acción Semanal de la ATU a través del correo electrónico. Nosotros estamos comprometidos a expandir el sistema de comunicaciones con nuestra membresía a medida que el desarrollo de la tecnología tome lugar.

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ATU: La Medida Más Acertada para la Diversidad: No solamente la ATU ha adoptado una Declaración Sobre la Diversidad, la cual establece por escrito aquello que nosotros hemos venido practicando por mucho tiempo, sino que también la diversidad de nuestra membresía se refleja en la composición del Comité Ejecutivo General y en los Representantes Internacionales. Nosotros continuaremos a realizar tales nombramientos de diversidad en el futuro.

PAUL BOWEN

Canton, MI – pbowen@atu.org

LAWRENCE J. HANLEY

Staten Island, NY – lhanley@atu.org

KENNETH R. KIRK

Lancaster, TX – kkirk@atu.org

GARY RAUEN

Clayton, NC – grauen@atu.org

International Representatives GARY MAURER

Atlanta, GA – gmaurer@atu.org

RAY RIVERA

Lilburn, GA– rrivera@atu.org

MARCELLUS BARNES

Flossmoor, IL – mbarnes@atu.org

YVETTE SALAZAR

Thornton, CO – ysalazar@atu.org

Canadian Council ROBIN G. WEST

Canadian Director 61 International Boulevard, Suite 210 Rexdale, ON M9W 6K4 director@atucanada.ca

A medida que nosotros nos movemos con audacia hacia al futro, continuaremos nuestros esfuerzos para que la ATU sea la Medida Más Acertada para los trabajadores que nosotros organizamos y para los miembros que representamos.

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www.atu.org

A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

ATU: The Right Move As you are reading this column, we are in countdown to the ATU’s 55th International Convention.

The theme of our 55th Convention is “The Right Move.” For 115 years, the ATU has been the right move for its members throughout the United States and Canada. The last three years have shown the dynamic growth of this great labor organization. n

ATU: The Right Move for Organizing: At the last Convention, the delegates were clear.

They wanted an organizing program that would grow the Union into the future. We responded by creating an organizing committee consisting of representatives from several active local unions, and then, in November 2006, creating the ATU Organizing Department. And we have had amazing results – not just in membership growth – but most importantly, in the number of local union leaders and activists we have trained who have become involved in new organizing campaigns. At this Convention, I will proudly report on victories all over the U.S. and Canada, and on the nearly 100 activist corps of Member Organizers we have developed.

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ATU: The Right Move for Politics and Legislation: Our members worked hard to ensure that worker-friendly representatives were elected to the U.S. Congress in 2006 and they achieved phenomenal results. They worked on phone banks, went door-to-door, attended rallies and stuffed envelopes. The greatest result was the enthusiastic response from our members, hundreds of whom volunteered their time as ATU Activists. We have worked with federal governments of both of our countries, with Congress and Parliament, and the provincial, state and local governments with amazing success.

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ATU: The Right Move for Representation: We have increased the abilities of our local unions and staff to negotiate good contracts and represent you on the job. During these three years we put our contract and arbitration databases on line so our officers and staff now have ready access to the information they need to be effective. And we are looking to improve these databases so more information will be readily available.

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ATU: The Right Move for Education: We have increased our education programs for local union officers and stewards including regional seminars with more diverse training. In the future, we will have online training manuals and further expand our educational programs.

The greatest result was the enthusiastic response from our members.

n ATU: The Right Move for Communications: We have improved and updated our magazine to make it more readable and relevant to our members. At the same time, we have been working to improve our website which will soon have downloadable forms and interactive education modules. We established the ATU Weekly Action Update via email. We are committed to expanding communications with our members as technology develops. n

ATU: The Right Move for Diversity: Not only has the ATU adopted a Statement on Diversity which puts in written word what we have long practiced, but our General Executive Board and International Representatives reflect the diversity of our members. We will continue to make such recommendations and appointments in the future.

As we move boldly into the future, we will continue to make the ATU The Right Move for the workers we organize, and the members we represent.

www.atu.org

JULY/AUGUST 2007

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Vol. 116, No. 4

Contents 2

International Officers & General Executive Board

International President’s Message in French & Spanish

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International President’s Message ATU: The Right Move

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Magazine Index

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International Executive Vice President’s Message The American Labor Movement Are We All In “Jeopardy?”

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International SecretaryTreasurer’s Message The Essence of Trade Unionism

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News from the Front Lines

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The Right Move Union to Celebrate Resurgence of Workers Making ‘The Right Move’ at International Convention

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ATU Members Take Part In Labor Activist Training

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ATU Idol Application

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8 The Right Move Transit Worker Assault 11 ATU Promotes Higher Penalties Building Hope - ATU Sponsors 12 New Orleans Habitat for Humanity Houses 15 ATU Activists Win!

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Attention Convention Delegates and Guests:

10 Legislative Report

Progressive Transit and Labor Legislation:

The Right Move. But is it Still the Wrong Time?

11 Canadian Agenda:

Transit Worker Assault:

ATU Promotes Higher Penalties 12 Building Hope

ATU Sponsors New Orleans

Habitat for Humanity Houses 14 Focus on Wellness:

Hypertension: Silent Killer 15 ATU Activist

Historic Dedicated Transit Funding in PA.

Denver’s Veolia Drivers Join ATU! 16 18th Annual Latino Caucus 17 Know Your Rights:

New Canadian Hours of Service Requirements 18 Moving for the Cure 19 Arbitrations 19 St. Catharines Local Pull for Kids 20 Local News 21 Coming ATU Events 22 In Memoriam 24 Proud to Be ATU

ATU Sponsors New Orleans

Habitat for Humanity Houses

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Are you ATU’s answer to Jordan or Blake? Well, here’s your chance to prove it! Please fill out the application on page 9.

Subscription: USA and Canada, $5 a year. Single copy: 50 cents. All others: $10 a year. Published bimonthly by the Amalgamated Transit Union, Editor: Shawn Perry, Assistant: Paul A. Fitzgerald. Editorial Office: 5025 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016-4139. Tel: 1-202-537-1645. Please send all requests for address changes to the ATU Registry Dept. ISSN: 0019-3291, USPS: 260-280.

PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40033361. RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO: B&M Mailing Service Limited, 35 Van Kirk Drive, Unit 15, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1A5, E-MAIL-BMCOMM@PATHCOM.COM The objects of this International Union shall be to organize Local Unions; to place our occupation upon a higher plane of intelligence, efficiency and skill; to encourage the formation in Local Unions of sick and funeral benefit funds in order that we may properly care for our sick and bury our dead; to encourage the organization of cooperative credit unions in the Local Unions; to establish schools of instruction for imparting a practical knowledge of modern and improved methods and systems of transportation and trade matters generally; to encourage the settlement of all disputes between employees and employers by arbitration; to secure employment and adequate pay for our work, including vacations with pay and old age pensions; to reduce the hours of labor and by all legal and proper means to elevate our moral, intellectual and social condition.

To engage in such legislative, political, educational, cultural, social, and welfare activities as will further the interests and welfare of the membership of the Organization.

To seek the improvement of social and economic conditions in the United States and Canada and to promote the interests of labor everywhere.

www.atu.org

A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

The American Labor Movement:

Are We All In “Jeopardy?”

With apologies to Alex Trebek...

Answer: The number of workers in unions in the U.S. has sunk to this percentage, the lowest level in more than 60 years.

Question: What is 12.5%?

Answer: The best antipoverty tool available to people is this.

Question: What is a union card?

Answer: This labor organization, chartered in 1892, which is already the largest union representing transit workers in the U.S. and Canada, has recently begun a major organizing initiative.

Question: What is the ATU?

Are we prepared to fight?

Answer: “The right move.”

Question: What is the ATU? One Thousand and and Counting...

Since we formed our Organizing Department in late 2006, almost 1,000 workers have voted for ATU. And, we currently have campaign cards circulating, with elections pending in more than 20 locations throughout the U.S., with the potential to add hundreds of new transit, paratransit, over-the-road, and school bus employees in the near future. In addition, there are several leads and targets in the field throughout Canada, where the Organizing Department is preparing for a wave of school bus organizing this fall.

I hope that you will support our proposal at the upcoming 55 Convention in Las Vegas to dedicate a fixed percentage of our union’s resources for organizing, so that we can continue to grow our numbers. th

As union members, we understand that through collective bargaining, unions have helped raise the standard of living for millions of North American workers. We realize that the typical union worker’s pay is significantly higher than that of non-union workers, and that union members are much more likely to receive health care and pension benefits.

We know that for so many reasons, organized labor still has an important role to play in our society.

And for transit workers, we know that ATU is without question “the right move.”

So, are we going to stand by and watch the labor movement become a relic of the past, or are we prepared to fight?

That, my friends, is the ultimate question.

www.atu.org

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A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER

The Essence of Trade Unionism Legendary labor leader A. Philip Randolph once said, “the essence of trade unionism is social uplift.”

These words which rang true then, have become prophetic today. The labor movement was built on the premise that by coming together, pooling our resources and combining our strengths, we can achieve a better life for ourselves and those around us.

What we do at the bargaining table... is just the beginning

However, the ATU’s collective effort does not end at the workplace. Indeed, what we do at the bargaining table, and in representing workers on the job, is just the beginning. We believe that by working together across state and national borders we can achieve great things for all working men and women. We do this in many ways including organizing, political action and charitable giving.

Organizing In organizing we come together to fight for the rights of unrepresented workers. We fight so that other workers can have a better workplace and a better life. We fight so that wages will be competitive and profits will not be achieved on the backs of poorly paid workers.

But, representation and organizing can only be effective in conjunction with ATU-COPE and the ATU’s political program. These programs allow our members to voluntarily combine their resources so that they can compete and contribute in the political realm. Through these efforts we elect candidates who share our vision of the future. By working with worker-friendly leaders, we fight legislatively for better wages, access to affordable health care, infrastructure investment, labor protections, and countless other policies that benefit working families.

Serving the Larger Community In order to serve the larger community, ATU members contribute to various charitable causes. One cause that is particularly close to the ATU’s heart is the fight for a cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Since the 1980s the ATU has held annual golf tournaments and other events to raise money for the ATU MS Research Funds. The impact of this effort is made greater by locals throughout Canada and the U.S. who host their own fundraising events for the charity.

In difficult times the ATU also comes to the aid of members and other workers who are most in need. Most recently, through the ATU’s Disaster Relief Fund, we were able to assist hundreds of ATU members in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and other areas affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Generous contributions from ATU members also allowed ATU to build two Habitat for Humanity houses for displaced families in New Orleans (see pages 12-13).

We do all of this because we believe it is our duty to protect those who cannot protect themselves. We are able to do this because of the generosity, spirit, and dedication of ATU members and their collective commitment to the “social uplift” of all people.

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www.atu.org

E DUC AT E . A G I TAT E . MOB I L I Z E .

ORGANIZE N E W S

BA Local 1321: e first Steve Green, Pres/ anizing for th ources org in ed ist ass “Our local ppor t and res su e th ve ha e w time because Organizing Department.” e of th

Pennie Johnson, Pres/BA 173 3: “As a member of the Int ational Organizing Committee, I am proudern see how our plans and goals have led totoma ny victories.”

orge and esident WarrendeGe International ecPrut esi nt Mike Siano Pr ce Vi e iv Ex erence International 07 dian Council Conf at the 20 Cana

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F RO M

T H E

AT U

Dan Sundquist, MemberOrganizer 1001: “For years we have wa d to organize the RTD’s subcontractors. nte Bu this year that our wisht it wasn’ t until came true.”

Jon Hunt, Pres/BA 757: ent, Departm “With the new Organizing more effective we have been able to carry out organize.” strategies and train members to

Robin West, ector, Can adian Council: “I am excited aboutDir the new which will focus solelyOrgonanizing Department organizing.”

F RO N T

L I N E S

Wayne Baker, Pres/BA 1764: “I have seen a huge difference in the wayl. we organize under the new ATU mode We should have done this long ago.”

Pat McMaho Pres/BA 85: “Organizing not only benn,efits -union workers.

It also helps current membersnon when we organize non-union contractors which are our competitors.”

BA 615 Dan Bichel, Pres/ates at the leg de e th es ess dr Ad cil Conference un Co an di na Ca 2007

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Union to Celebrate Resurgence of Workers Making ‘The Right Move’ at International Convention It’s almost time. Participants have been registered. The program has been printed. The banners are about to be unfurled.

It’s almost time. All is in readiness for the International’s biggest business meeting at which the Union will review the work of the last three years and consider the serious challenges ahead.

It’s almost time – time for delegates from all over North America to make their triennial pilgrimage to the international’s great “family reunion” – that grand celebration of their common purpose in improving the lives of their fellow union members, and indeed, all workers.

It’s almost time for the 55th International Convention of the Amalgamated Transit Union which takes place this year in Las Vegas, NV, September 17 – 21.

CELEBRATING A RESURGENCE IN ORGANIZING The theme of this Convention is “The Right Move” which celebrates the resurgence of ATU organizing throughout the U.S and Canada. The new program has brought the benefits of ATU membership to close to a thousand new members in just nine months. And hundreds more at dozens of potential bargaining units are now on the verge of choosing ATU as their collective bargaining representative.

The organizing surge has been catalyzed by the hard work of dozens of newly-trained ATU “Member-Organizers” who have taken the transit worker’s cause to the streets like never before.

CELEBRATING ATU ACTIVISM The International Convention will also celebrate the success the ATU has had in reinvigorating the Union’s grass-roots participation in the political process. Scores of “ATU Activists” pounded the pavement to make sure that their fellow union members got to the polls in last fall’s Congressional elections. That work contributed to the election of many transit and worker-friendly candidates and helped bring about a positive change in the leadership of the U.S. Congress.

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The delegates can be expected to be energized for further grass-roots work as the entire labor movement sets its sights on bringing about a change at the White House next year.

CELEBRATING A ‘SEA-CHANGE’ IN CANADIAN TRANSIT FUNDING The Convention will also celebrate the sea-change in transit funding that the ATU helped bring about in Canada. After years of Canadian Council lobbying, the federal government has made a commitment to regular transit funding for the first time in history, and equally momentous multi-year transit investments are being made at the provincial and municipal level.

TACKLING TOUGH ISSUES The delegates can be expected to tackle the tough issues faced by transit and allied workers today. Canadian members are currently battling an unusual wave of violence against operators in that country. In the U.S., the ATU is fighting to convince the congressional and executive branches of government that much more must be done to protect transit systems from terrorist attack.

The delegates will elect International officers to the next term of office.

And, they will also consider resolutions and constitutional amendments which can have an important effect on the Union for years to come.

There will be less serious moments as well, such as the ATU Idol show, which was the surprise hit of the last Convention. ATU delegates will perform before their fellow Convention participants and a panel of judges in a competition patterned after the popular TV show. Their fellow Convention-goers will decide who wins.

Don’t miss the next edition of the In Transit which will provide all of the details about the Convention.

www.atu.org

ATU MEMBERS TAKE PART IN

Labor Activist Training Two ATU Activists took part in a four-day political training in Washington, DC in early June. The training was the first in a series of Political Action Trainings hosted by the AFL-CIO. The approximately 30 union activists attending the training were from more than 10 unions and ranged from local union officers or stewards, to political activists or volunteers.

The AFL-CIO plans to hold regional trainings throughout the United States leading up to the 2008 Presidential elections.

Both ATU Activists who attended the training currently serve as their local’s political and legislative director. LeAnn Minor, 998-Milwaukee, WI, took over the position of legislative director at her local right before the 2006 elections. Victor Torres, 1596-Orlando, FL, is a long time labor activist who also led his local’s political efforts during the 2006 elections.

IN DEPTH TRAINING The in-depth training included sessions on polling and message development; how to talk politics to union members; worksite-based mobilization; doors, phones and micro-targeting; press and media training; and building a volunteer recruitment program.

“I was especially excited about this training and when I came, my hopes weren’t let down,” said Minor, “This was an awesome training.”

“The material and the topics were on point and the trainers were excellent.

They were specific and made sense as far the everyday struggles that we incur in our local,” said Torres.

From left, ATU Activists Victor Torres, 1596-Orlando, FL, and LeAnn Minor, 998-Milwaukee, WI, attend the AFL-CIO’s four-day Political Action Training in Washington, DC. Both activists currently serve as their locals’ political and legislative director.

CUT HERE

Convention delegates bring their best vocal renditions of rock and pop hits, as well as selections from a wide range of American standards. Accompaniment is chosen by contestants from a HUGE list of Karaoke backup CDs provided at the competition.

A panel of non-ATU entertainment professionals will judge the performances – just like the hit TV show.

There may be a “Simon” in the group, but that’s all a part of the fun. And like the TV show the winners are determined by a vote – of your fellow brother and sister delegates and guests.

Prizes will be awarded to the top performers, but the real winner will be the ATU MS Research Funds – the recipient of all show proceeds.

ATU Idol was the surprise hit of the 2004 Convention. If you have a good voice and love to perform you’ll have a great time and support the search for a cure for MS as well.

Don’t delay. Performance slots are limited.

PLEASE PRINT: Delegate(s) or Guest(s) name: ___________________________________________________________________________ Song Selection: _____________________________________________________________________________________ Local: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Street Address ______________________________________________________________________________________ City: _____________________________________________ State: ___________________________________________ Email: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone ______________________________ Fax: ______________________________ Contestant’s Song Selection will be made from a Karaoke list posted on ATU website – selections not on this list will not be accepted: Entry forms must be returned to the ATU International no later than August 1, 2007. Mail or fax forms to: ATU Idol, 5025 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016, Fax: (202) 244-7824.

There are a limited number of slots available for the ATU Idol Show. Entries will be accepted in the order they are received, with delegates given priority.

www.atu.org

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legislativereport Progressive Transit and Labor Legislation: The Right Move.

But is it Still the Wrong Time?

Democrats in control of Congress are finding that even in the majority, it is still hard to get things done. In the U.S. House of Representatives, new Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-CA, has been working to advance a comprehensive energy package this summer, but Republicans have thrown up obstacles to slow the process down.

On the transportation side, the legislation, known as the Transportation Energy Security and Climate Change Mitigation Act (HR 2701), includes innovative ideas and significant money for public transit, which can be a major contributor to energy conservation. Today’s buses take people off the road and run cleaner than ever, and most rail transit vehicles emit little or no pollution since they are powered by electricity.

HR 2701 authorizes $850 million for each of the next two years for transit agencies that reduce fares or expand service. It would also create a “Center for Climate Change and Environment” within the Department of Transportation, which could further enhance the role of transit.

opposed by the minority. The House passed the bill in March by a vote of 241 - 185, but the bill died in the Senate in June, even though every Democratic Senator and one Republican (Arlen Specter, PA) voted to move the bill forward.

AFL-CIO President John Sweeney said he was encouraged by the Senate vote because it showed that a majority of lawmakers favor changing the law. Of course, even if the bill passed, President Bush has promised a veto.

So how do we put ourselves in a better position to get these important bills done? It is not too early to start thinking about 2008, when we will have the opportunity to increase the Democrats’ majority in both the House and Senate, and put a Democrat in the White House for the first time in eight years. If that were to happen, we would be more likely to see a bill to address climate change and legislation to restore working people’s freedom to make their own choice to join a union and bargain for a better life.

House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Jim Oberstar, D-MN, who said “Our government has to lead by example,” was blind-sided with 15 Republican amendments during the committee’s first consideration of the bill. Until recently, despite a mountain of scientific evidence, many Republicans – most prominently President Bush – have not even acknowledged that climate change is real. The committee eventually moved the bill, but with many detractors, its success is far from guaranteed.

EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE Another bill of great importance to the ATU and the entire labor movement, the Employee Free Choice Act, (H.R. 800/ S.1041), which would establish an efficient system to enable employees to form, join, or assist labor organizations, through card check, has also run into major opposition, this time in the U.S. Senate. While the Democrats also control the upper chamber, they hold only a one seat margin, making it nearly impossible to pass legislation that is 10

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canadianagenda Transit Worker Assault ATU PROMOTES HIGHER PENALTIES

‘BRUTAL SENSELESS ATTACKS’

As part of an ongoing campaign to address the problem of violence against transit workers, the ATU Canadian Council recently joined forces with the Canadian Auto Workers in supporting a motion in Parliament that would set stiffer sentences for those found guilty of assaulting transit workers.

“Bus drivers and transit operators are increasingly victims of brutal, senseless attacks while on duty,” said Julian. “Under the Criminal Code, assailants of police personnel assaulted while performing their duties are subject to stiffer criminal penalties. We need to deter attackers of bus drivers and transit operators by establishing tough provisions.”

The motion was made by New Democratic Party Transport Critic Peter Julian (Burnaby – New Westminster) on June 13, with ATU and CAW representatives present. MP Julian called on the House of Commons to extend to transit workers the same protections currently provided to police and ambulance personnel under the Criminal Code of Canada.

In Vancouver, about 240 attacks against transit workers are reported each year. In Montreal, 100 attacks are reported annually. In Toronto, the average is 350 to 400 attacks. These statistics don’t account for the hundreds of threats and assaults that go unreported every year. According to an ATU survey done in 2005, 36% of transit workers have been physically assaulted during their career.

‘TRANSIT WORKERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO FEEL SAFE’ “Ultimately, transit workers should be able to feel safe and secure in their workplace. Violence on transit workers is a growing problem that requires intervention,” said ATU Canadian Director Robin West. “Action needs to be taken now.”

Julian is in the process of developing a Private Members’ Bill that would cement the intent of this motion into law.

The ATU is calling on the government and other political parties to work together and take the necessary steps to fast track this issue through the process in order to make the necessary changes to the Criminal Code of Canada to protect transit workers.

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JULY/AUGUST 2007

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Building Hope Members of the International staff, and officers and members of ATU’s New Orleans-area locals rolled up their sleeves and got to work, May 14, to help build one of the two “Habitat for Humanity” houses the Union is sponsoring in that still-desolate city.

The International Disaster Relief Fund contributed $140,000 to build the two structures which will house New Orleans residents whose homes were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

International President Warren S. George, International Executive Vice President Michael J. Siano, and International SecretaryTreasurer Oscar Owens formally presented the donation to representatives of Habitat for Humanity at the construction site.

The ATU contingent was joined by youth from Texas who like so many other young people from the United States and Canada, have been unselfishly volunteering their time to rebuild the city – one house at a time.

The ATU volunteers were put to work climbing ladders, hammering siding into place, and performing many other chores in what all agreed was a very satisfying day working with their hands for people in need.

International President George gets to work.

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IN TRANSIT

From left, executive officer assistants Beth Petrusic and Missy Goode make sure the siding is straight as it is hammered into place on the house.

Executive officer assistant Lauri Straughn hammers siding into place.

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ATU Sponsors New Orleans Habitat for Humanity Houses

From left, International Executive Vice President Michael J. Siano and International Secretary-Treasurer Oscar Owens watch as International President Warren S. George presents a check for $140,000 covering the expense of building two houses to Habitat for Humanity’s New Orleans’ Development Coordinator Gina Stilp.

Above: This is what the house will look like when finished.

Chief of Staff Benetta Mansfield spent much of the day on ladders at the construction site.

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International Vice President Rodney Richmond makes his way up the ladder.

From left, International President George and International Secretary-Treasurer Owens take in the view of the now-overgrown urban landscape.

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Hypertension: Silent Killer It is estimated that one in every four adults has high blood pressure – a condition which significantly increases your chance of getting heart disease, kidney disease, or having a stroke.

While high blood pressure can occur in persons of any race, age or gender, African-Americans are significantly more at risk. In fact, 42 percent of adult African-American males and 46.6 percent of females have high blood pressure.

NO WARNING SIGNS High blood pressure is especially dangerous because it often has no warning signs or symptoms.

Not only is high blood pressure a significant health concern, but it can also cost you your job! ATU members who are subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) Medical Qualification Standards can lose their job if they have high blood pressure. Under current guidelines, an individual must have a blood pressure below 140/90 in order to receive a two-year medical certification.

YOU CAN DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT Here’s the good news: YOU can do something about it. Right here, right now!

The number one preventive measure is exercise – MOVE. Just 10 minutes, 2-3 times per day, can make all the difference. Regular movement appears to reduce both the upper & lower blood pressure numbers. Of course, lowering your salt use and fat calorie intake can help as well.

Here are a few simple preventive measures: 1.

Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Normal blood pressures should not go over 120 for the top (systolic) number or 80 for the bottom (diastolic) number. Studies have suggested that an increase in either number is cause for concern.

2.

Increase your daily activity level. Park further away from your destination; get off the bus or train a stop further from your home or workplace. Try to make activity a family time.

3.

Reduce the salt you use. Check food labels for sodium levels.

Watch for products that are high in sodium levels such as processed meats, soft drinks and certain cereals.

4.

Eat fats that are good for you. Use olive or canola oils for cooking. Use butter spreads that have NO trans- or hydrogenated fats.

For more information contact the National High Blood Pressure Education Program (www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/nhbpep) , the American Heart Association (www.americanheart.com) or the American Council on Exercise (www.acefitness.org).

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ATU Activists Win Historic Dedicated Transit Funding in Pennsylvania

Denver’s Veolia Drivers Join ATU!

Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, D, signed historic legislation into law, July 17, which will provide nearly $950 million in average, annual transportation infrastructure and public transit funding over the next 10 years.

Local 1001-Denver, CO, welcomed 269 new members into the ATU family on July 20.

Employees of Veolia Transit voted to join ATU in the workers’ first ever election. International Representative Yvette Salazar, Local 1001 President Holman Carter, Member Organizer Dan Sundquist, and the local’s members joined dozens of Veolia drivers for the vote count late that night.

Act Signed With ATU Pen

Determination

Local 85 campaigned vigorously for the bill which will pump desperately needed money into Pittsburgh’s cash-strapped Port Authority system. The governor signed the legislation with an ATU pen.

One operator who had just had surgery overcame considerable obstacles to make his voice heard. He wanted to vote for the Union but he had no way to get to the company where the voting was taking place.

The new transportation funding law replaces a patchwork transit funding system with the new Public Transportation Trust Fund, which will draw resources from sales and other taxes, lottery proceeds, Pennsylvania Turnpike toll revenue, and first-time tolls on Interstate 80.

Realizing his determination, the local secured a wheelchair and transportation for the employee and wheeled him to the building.

In a moving moment, the driver struggled out of the chair and walked as best he could to the polling place to cast his vote for ATU. The vote brings the total number of new members added to Local 1001’s rolls this year to over 500.

THE NEW ATU WEBSITE HAS ARRIVED!!

International President Warren S. George is proud to announce the re-launch of the new ATU website.

The new website is designed to be more attractive and user-friendly. It keeps most of the familiar content, such as transit news clips, from the old website while opening up some new items for ATU members and the public.

One of the most anticipated links is to a new “ATU Store” at which members can buy ATU items online. Local officers will have their own section in which they will be able to view information that helps them do their jobs. Interactive content will be coming soon in which ATU officers and members will be able to fill out forms and email them into the International offices. The new sight will also spotlight many of the professions and areas of our two countries where ATU members live and work.

We hope you’ll find the new site attractive and useful. The address is the same: atu.org. We hope you’ll visit again and again.

www.atu.org

JULY/AUGUST 2007

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Amalgamated Transit Union

18th Annual Latino Caucus S E P T E M B E R 1 4 TH T H R O U G H S E P T E M B E R 1 6 , 2 0 0 7

“Todos Unidos, Venceremos” BALLY’S LAS VEGAS HOTEL

3645 Las Vegas Blvd., South Las Vegas, NV 89109 1-(702) 967-4111 • 1-(800) 634-3434 Room Rate: $129.00, plus 9% tax [Group Code: SB ATU 7] Room Reservations must be made by August 20, 2007

jJ

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION For members & associate members: $90.00 registration/dues *All prices are in US currency Please contact Latino Caucus Recording Secretary Corina DeLaTorre at (916) 424-9787, or Latino Caucus Treasurer David Benavides at (210) 924-9718, or visit www.atulc.org

WWWW W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W The Amalgamated Transit Union is proud to announce the winners of the 5th Annual ATU #694 Latino Caucus Scholarship

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1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place

Mercedes Castillo Cardenas - $1,000

James Ray Hernandez - $550

Matthew Thomas Randel - $450

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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: New Canadian Hours of Service Requirements In the event that a public service vehicle or commercial truck is stopped and the driver is found not to be in compliance with the hours of service requirements, a short-term suspension may be imposed.

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HOURS OF SERVICE New Hours of Service requirements for Commercial Vehicle Drivers took effect on January 1, 2007. These new regulations require: •

a daily minimum of 10 hours off-duty;

•

a minimum 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time before recommencing driving after reaching the on-duty, driving or a new elapsed time limit;

This standard places several requirements on the carrier, prohibiting a carrier from allowing an un-inspected or unsafe vehicle to be operated, ensuring defect are corrected and providing drivers with a schedule of inspection items.

IN ADDITION, DRIVERS MUST: •

Not drive a commercial vehicle unless it has been inspected according to the Regulations

•

Ensure that required inspections are carried out and defects reported to the carrier according to the Regulations

•

a daily maximum driving time of 13 hours;

•

a daily maximum on-duty time of 14 hours;

•

an elapsed time limit of 16 hours from the last off-duty period of 8 hours or greater;

•

Complete the required inspection report, carry it in the vehicle, and provide it to an inspector on demand

•

a minimum rest period for team drivers using a vehicle equipped with sleeper berth accommodations of 4 consecutive hours;

•

Monitor the vehicle while driving, record defects found and report them to the carrier prior to next scheduled inspection

•

Report major defects immediately and not operate vehicle until the major defect has been corrected

•

Forward the inspection report to the carrier within 20 days.

• •

a maximum 70-hour cycle over 7 days and a maximum 120hour cycle over 14 days; a minimum of 24 consecutive hours off-duty, at least once every 14 days for all drivers.

DAILY TRIP INSPECTION REPORT This standard was created to ensure early identification of vehicle problems and defects, and to prevent the operation of vehicles with conditions that are likely to cause or contribute to a collision or vehicle breakdown.

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ATU – Moving for the Cure “Honor Roll”

More than 20 ATU Employees, along with their friends and family, participated in the National Race for the Cure on June 2nd in Washington, D.C. The ATU – Moving for the Cure team took part in a 5K Run/Walk on the National Mall as part of a larger effort to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cure for breast cancer.

The team raised a total of $4,000 to support breast cancer research and care. Several ATU local officers, members and staff made generous contributions to the team. Many of the ATU participants and contributors dedicated their contributions to friends, family and loved ones who have been affected by breast cancer.

ATU – Moving for the Cure team t-shirts were generously donated by K&R Industries, a promotional product vendor that specializes in Union Made and Made in the U.S.A. goods.

A special thank you from the ATU team to their supporters.

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Charles Cook Arbenia Williams Benetta Mansfield Yvette Salazar - In support of Cheryl Romero Michael Lowery - In Support of the Race for the Cure Alan Burrows - In Support of Elaine See Shawn Perry - In Memory of Joellen Harrigan Perry Becky Perry - In Memory of Eunice Reynolds ATU International Karen Head - In Support of Kristin Greene and In Memory of Lorene Nelson Judy Head - In Memory of Lorene Nelson Lisa Connell Ed Connell Judy Collins (“Grama”) - In Memory of Frances Wallrodt Mark Cowan - In Honor of All Breast Cancer Survivors Tara Cruz Missy Goode - In Support of Bena Williams Karen Newman - In Honor of ATU Survivors Gene Parker Stephanie Gagliano Shelley McMullen Kathleen Green Elizabeth Marksberry - In Memory of Olivia McDonald Dawn Ford Angela Scott Kristen Reza - In Honor of Lynette Baker-Pulling Jim Martin - In Honor of My Aunt Debbie Angela and Luc - In Memory of My Grandmother Lianne Mutchler - In Honor of Eileen Murray Meghan Ritson - In Honor of Mary Lou Ritson Jerolyn Smith Keith Hennon Stephanie Whalen Terri Coley - In Honor of J. Blassingame Jean Wilkins John Jones Renee Dunaway - In Memory of Julia Stuard Tina Carbaugh Will Keys

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Arbitration Decisions ATU Local 398 and Valley Ride (Boise, ID) ISSUE: Did Valley Ride violate Article 6, Section A, or Article 2, Sections A and B, of the collective bargaining agreement when Valley Regional Transit (VRT) restructured bus routes in the Nampa Urbanized Area and the Boise Transportation Management Area in 2005?

SUMMARY: VRT hired a private consulting firm to provide advice on its operations. The consultants made recommendations to VRT, which they sought to implement. During this same period of time VRT was engaged in the collective bargaining process with Local 398. The employer did not present any issues at the bargaining table about the impacts or effects of the proposed route restructure which led to non-bargaining unit employees doing the work of union employees. Two mechanics in the Valley Ride system were laid off after the restructure. On April 16, 2006, the union filed a written grievance with the employer, citing a violation of the subcontracting article and the recognition clause. The employer argued that the changes were necessary to improve efficiency and to eliminate duplicate coverage. They also claimed that the bargaining unit saw no overall decrease in hours because of the restructure.

HOLDING: On June 13, 2007 Arbitrator Boedecker sustained the arbitration by finding that the company violated the terms of the collective bargaining agreement by unilaterally restructuring bus routes. She stated, “The employer must return to the bargaining table with the union to negotiate an appropriate remedy for the employer’s violation of the parties’ collective bargaining agreement.”

ATU Local 1028 and MV Transportation, Inc. (Alsip, IL) ISSUE: Did the employee, a paratransit driver, violate the terms of a last chance agreement?

SUMMARY: Grievant was originally terminated from her employment on or about August 24, 2005 for safety violations. The Union grieved this termination which led to settlement discussions between the Company and the Union. On or about October 19, 2005, the parties agreed that the grievant would return to her employment under a Last Chance Agreement (LCA). Shortly after the agreement was signed, the company alleged that the grievant was observed on a “drive cam” talking on her personal cell phone while operating a vehicle, which they claim is in violation of the LCA. As a result, the company terminated the employee. Counsel for the company alleged that the grievant had been discharged for violating a company rule against talking on her personal cell phone. The union argued that the company has the burden to prove a violation of the LCA. In this instance they contend that the company failed to do so. The video, they claim, was of poor quality and failed to prove that the employee was actually using a personal cell phone. They claim that the item in question was actually a company issued Nextel phone. The union also protested the use of camera footage in disciplinary proceedings, as it had never been bargained.

HOLDING: On October 13, 2006 Arbitrator Humphreys ruled in favor of the union by finding no rational basis upon which the employer could come to the conclusion that the grievant was using a personal cell phone. He stated, “The Company did not establish by clear and convincing evidence that the grievant violated a Company rule under the Last Chance Agreement. The grievant is hereby reinstated to her employment with appropriate back pay.” Because the company failed to prove the guilt of the employee the arbitrator never addressed the other issue of using camera footage in disciplinary procedures without bargaining.

St. Catharines’ Local Pulls for Kids Local 846 participated in the Pull For Kids Fundraiser this past May. It was a huge success. Local 846 and St Catharines (ON) Transit were the top fundraising team, raising over $3600 with most of that money coming from our members and other brothers and sisters around North America. Our team placed third in this compatition and we feel very good about that. Our team featured myself and our Financial Secretary (Gloria De Fields). Gloria was the oldest person pulling in the event at 55+. Seven other ATU members made up the team as well as two employees of the administation department. Thanks to all who made donations to this event and for making our local shine.

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— Local President Alan Burrows 846, St. Catharines, ON

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Local 256 – Sacramento, CA Local President Victor Guerra and International Vice President Chuck Cook report settlement between members of Local 256 and MV Transportation, Inc. (Fairfield).

Term: 12/6/06 - 12/6/09 Operator Wages Over Term: $15.85- $18.00 H&W: ’er contribution to $295/mo add domestic partners

Local 256 – Sacramento, CA Local President Victor Guerra and International Vice President Chuck Cook report settlement between members of Local 256 and Paratransit, Inc. Term: 4/6/07 - 3/7/10 Operator Wages Over Term: $13.75 - $14.75 H & W:

to: <5 yrs svc - ’er pays100% ’ee only

>5 yrs svc – ’er pays 100% ’ee only + up to $200 Pension: ’er contribution to $150/mo for ft w/10+ yrs svc Note: ratified by vote of 30 - 8

Locals 281 – New Haven, CT

425 – Hartford, CT

443 – Stanford, CT Local Presidents Philip Madonna, Alvin Douglas, William Dellipoali and International Vice President Richard Murphy report settlement between members of Locals 281, 425 and 443, and HNS Management Company, Inc. Term: 4/1/07 – 6/30/10 Operator Wages Over Term: $22.00 - $24.00 Mechanic Wages Over Term: $22.29 - $24.40 Progression: New hires - start 75%;

1 yr svc - 80%;

2 yrs svc - 85%;

3 yrs svc - 90%;

4 yrs svc - 100% Note: Technicians, Bldg maintainers receive 105% of operator increases.

Ratified by vote of 242 - 45.

Local 569 – Edmonton, AB Local President Bill Chahal reports settlement between members of Local 569 and the City of Edmonton (DATS) – Paratransit.

ABBREVIATIONS

Term: 12/24/06 - 12/19/09 Operator Wages Over Term: $19.93 - $24.06 Probation: OT hrs count toward end of probation (new) H&W: $500/yr health care spending account for eyeglasses or other health expenses (new) PT: 10 allowed (was 7) Shoe Allow: $75 (was $25) Breaks: 40 hrs paid per yr (in ’08 & ’09) in lieu of breaks Note: - instructor pay $1/hr (was 80¢)

- reduce time to reach “Thereafter Rate” to 1.5 yrs (was 2 yrs) Ratified by vote of 83 - 25.

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IN TRANSIT

allow = allowances COLA = cost-of-living allowance d/b/a = doing business as ’ee(s) = employee(s) eff = effective ’er = employer eve = evening FMLA = Family Medical Leave Act FT = full-time H&W = Health & Welfare CDL = Commercial Driver’s License LI = Life Insurance

hr = hour ins = insurance max = maximum med = medical mi = mile min = minimum mo = month PT = part-time pmt = payment prem = premium mgt = management reg = regular

S&A = sickness & accident SL = sick leave svc = service unif = uniform yr = year wk = week w/=with @=at +=plus x=times SB = school bus OT = overtime

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Local 587 – Seattle, WA*

Local 1027 – Fresno, CA

Local President Lance Norton and International Vice President Ron Heintzman report settlement between members of Local 587 and MV Transportation.

Term: 3/1/07 - 2/28/13 Operator Wages Over Term: $17.90 - $23.90

wage scale compressed from 10 to 5 yrs H&W: ’ee pays $5/mo ’ee only (was $88.40)

’er pays 50% dependent coverage by end of agreement (was Ø)

- add domestic partners

- $50/mo opt-out LI: to $25,000 (was $10,000) SL: (was combined with vacation as PTO) <120 days - Ø;

120 days - 3 years - .615 hrs/pay period;

4 yrs svc - .923 hrs;

5 yrs svc - 1.230 hrs;

10 yrs svc - 1.538 hrs;

- 10 yrs svc moves down to 7 yrs svc by end of agreement

- cash out @ 50% Note: - creation of joint labor-mgt cmte

- trainer pay prem $1

- ratified unanimously * A previous contract between members of Local 587 and King County Metro was inadvertently included in the Local News in the last issue of the In Transit, rather than this contract with MV Transportation. We apologize for the error.

Local 588 – Regina, SK Local President Mike Ehmann and International Vice President Randy Graham report settlement between members of Local 588 and the City of Regina.

Term: Operator Wages Over Term: H&W:

Holidays: Unif Allow: CDL:

1/1/07- 12/31/09 $19.75 – 22.21 100% paid by ’er - Established health spending amt for all eligible ’ees - $100/yr Add family day Parkas provided outdoor ’ees Reimbursement for Class V $25

Local President Rick Steitz and International Vice President Chuck Cook report settlement between members of Local 1027 and MV Transportation, Inc. Term: 5/12/07 - 6/30/12 Operator Wages Over Term: $15.22 - $19.66 Mechanic Wages Over Term: $18.59 - $24.58 H&W: 100% single, 85% dependent paid by ’er by end of agreement (was 70% + $17)

’er dental contribution to $30 family (was $16.42)

’er vision contribution to $15/mo (was Ø) Pension: ATU 401k - ’er match to 55% by end of agreement - 30% of annual salary cap.

Vacation: PT accrual @ 75% of FT

- cash out option of all hours (New) Holidays: Add birthday

- work done on holiday paid at 1½ x + holiday pay Note: Add language on use of cameras

- cannot be sole basis for disciplinary action

- paid meal period rather that a duty-free period Ratified unanimously.

Locals 1037-New Bedford, MA 174-Fall River, MA Local Presidents John Offley and Patricia Caron, and International Vice President Larry Hanley report settlement between members of Locals 1037 and 174, and the Union Street Bus Company, Inc. Term: 7/1/06 - 6/30/10 Operator Wages Over Term: $19.45 - $21.77 Mechanic Wages Over Term: $21.20 - $23.73 Bonus: FT: $1,500; PT: $750 H&W: Eff 7/1/07 – ’ee pays 15%, ’er 85% for single, 20%/80% family

- $2,400 annual opt out LI: To $25,000 Pension: 1.40% (was 1.30%) - remove cap on yrs svc Tool Allow: To $225 Unif Allow: To $230 Cleaning Allow: To $40 Note: Ratified by vote of 64 – 7.

Local 757 – Portland, OR Local President Jon Hunt and International Vice President Ron Heintzman report settlement between members of Local 757 and Laidlaw (Corvallis).

Term: 7/1/06 - 6/30/09 SB Operator Wages Over Term: $11.19 - $12.29* COLA: min 3% - max 4% annual H&W: med reimbursement to $155 LI:

$35,000 - transit drivers

$5,000 - SB drivers Guarantee: 4 hrs during reg school yr Charter: Add sorority/fraternity party trips - paid additional 4 hrs Note: Ratified by vote of 33 - 3 * minimum rate school bus operators

Local 956 – Allentown, PA Local President Thomas Bohner and International Vice President Larry Hanley report the first agreement between members of Local 956 and First Transit, Inc. Warren County (NJ).

Term: Operator Wages Over Term: LI: Vacation:

Holidays: Shoe Allow: Note: Ratified by vote of 9 - 4.

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5/1/07 – 12/31/08 $10.00 - $10.77 $10,000 1 yr svc - 40 hrs 5 yrs svc - 80 hrs 10 yrs svc- 120 hrs (6) total + (3) personal days after 1 yr svc provided 25¢ pay differential for air brake endorsement

2007

Schedule of Upcoming Events September 14 - 16 Latino Caucus

Las Vegas, NV

September 17 - 21 55th International Convention

Las Vegas, NV

October 22 22nd Annual MS Golf Tournament

Rockville, MD

October 27 - Financial Secretary Seminar November 1 Silver Spring, MD

November 13 - 17 Arbitration Seminar

Silver Spring, MD *Recent Change

JULY/AUGUST 2007

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In Memoriam

Death Benefits Awarded May - June 2007

1- MEMBERS AT LARGE RICHARD LEE COX HARRY L DODSON RICHARD R GOEHRING ORVILLE L HALL DAVID WILSON HAYES JOHN GALLAHER NORTH 26- DETROIT, MI FRANK L HOUSTON JR STEPHEN KASINEC 85- PITTSBURGH, PA EDWARD E ALLIE DOUGLAS A BURNS TERRENCE A CULLIGAN ROBERT GRIBSCHAW CHARLES R KAUCIC CHARLENE T KILVANICK NICK LANDOLINA JOSEPH LAPISKA JOHN H MC AVOY ROBERT W MONTGOMERY ROBERT T NIEHL ROBERT L PLATTE LAWRENCE JOHN RYDER EUGENE SANDERS GENO ANTHONY VILLANI CHARLES W WATTS 107- HAMILTON, ON KENNETH H BEDLEY SIDNEY BOWER RABINDRANA S DALJEET CLARENCE F MINO GEORGE SKEATES 113- TORONTO, ON ANTONIO ALMEIDA GILBERT J ARBOUR WILLIAM CRANSTON WILLIAM H GRIMSHAW PHILIP LE BLANC WILLIAM R MOORE JOHN S NICHOL RAYMOND E SCHREPFER NELSON D TOMMASO VICTOR VELLA 164- WILKES-BARRE, PA GEORGE GRUVER 174- FALL RIVER, MA OMER DUPUIS 241- CHICAGO, IL PERCY J ANDERSON

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INTRANSIT TRANSIT IN

DARSENELL BOYD SELMON BROUGHTON JOHN D BUTLER JOHN E CHOLLY ERNEST E GIDDENS MOSES L JOHNSON EDWARD L JONES SALVATORE A SALERNO LILLIAN SHELTON WILLIAM R SMITH SAMPSON B STEWART LEWIS B TAYLOR ALBERT N WILLIAMS RICHARD H WILLIAMS HENRY F ZIOLKOWSKI 265- SAN JOSE, CA ANTWAINE M DAY BERT RAMIREZ ANTHONY E RICHARD GRAYDON J L SKILLETT 268- CLEVELAND, OH DONALD T BEAUDOIN BETTI L BROWN WILLIE F HUNT ALBERT KUBENE ERNEST R LISKAY STEVE G SOKOL 276- STOCKTON, CA JAMES D CURRY 279- OTTAWA, ON NORMAN W AIKEN JEAN L BERTRAND ROBERT BRAZEAU HAROLD MC NAMARA 281- NEW HAVEN, CT DONALD J PLOURDE 282- ROCHESTER, NY PAUL W MARSHALL DAVID B STRIGHT 308- CHICAGO, IL JOHNNIE D ALLEN RAYMOND J CATANESE ODESSA K DANIELLEY JOSE FLORES PETER P KLISIEWICZ RICHARD B LEMKE JR JOSEPH A MARTINEK JOHN L PTASNIK ROOSEVELT SMITH JR JERRY THOMAS

382- SALT LAKE CITY, UT ROBERT PEEBLES

615- SASKATOON, SK HANTFORD A THOMAS

824- NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ FRANK ARCIERI

508- HALIFAX, NS PATRICK H ROMARD

618- PROVIDENCE, RI KENNETH P FERRARA

825- ORADELL, NJ EDWARD SEROKA

540- TRENTON, NJ JOSE L RODRIGUEZ RAYMOND TULLI

627- CINCINNATI, OH ARTHUR G BECKMAN

878- EVANSVILLE, IN CECIL R DUNN

689- WASHINGTON, DC ROBERT ADAM CALLAWAY ALTON E CRABBE ANGELO H GRIGGS HORACE P HAITHCOCK ALBERT R NELBACH JOHN W REINGRUBER ROBERT W SCOTT CLEVE IRA SHREWSBURY JAMES W SIMMONS ANDREW GEORGE SUSA IRVING T WIMMER

923- AMSTERDAM, NY CLARENCE P HAWKER JR

558- SHREVEPORT, LA WILLIAM M MOBLEY 568- ERIE, PA JOHN D BARNES JAMES P CUNNINGHAM 569- EDMONTON, AB JOHN CSERNY ADOLPH W KUCY HARRY SOROKA 580- SYRACUSE, NY THOMAS J BURKE 583- CALGARY, AB JOSEPH WALTER GERUS ALBERT W SCHAAL BRITT V STALEY DONNA M STUNZI 587- SEATTLE, WA HAZEN C LINDSLEY ALAN L MC CULLOUGH NEIL O MYREN 588- REGINA, SK ALEXANDER BRUCE KENNETH MAERTENS 589- BOSTON, MA GEORGE BERNARD NORMAN E BRENNAN ANTHONY J CARUSO JOSEPH A CURTIN FREDERICK E DALEY JR WALTER R DE VOE ARTHUR HERSON CAROLYN A HOLLEY ANN LYDON CHESTER J MURAWSKI JOHN EDWARD SULLIVAN 591- HULL, PQ JEAN L DEROY

694- SAN ANTONIO, TX RICHARD T COOK ROBERT E VIDAURRI 713- MEMPHIS, TN HOWARD N PHILLIPS 732- ATLANTA, GA EDNA B DOUGLAS GARLON LEE ROBERT L MC ANSH 757- PORTLAND, OR CHRIS A SILVER 788- ST. LOUIS, MO FRANCIS J CARROLL KENNETH R FISHER LEE HAMBLIN HARRY A NOLTE DAVID J PENNY JESSE ROBERTS NORMA I SMITH 812- CLARKSBURG, WV EVERETT CAMPBELL CHARLES A MULLIGAN 819- NEWARK, NJ WILLIAM H BANNER 822- PATERSON, NJ MORRIS ABREVAYA CHARLES B BUTLER NORMAN LAWRENCE

998- MILWAUKEE, WI SAM LUCCHETTA FAYE MC DONALD WILLIAM E PATTISON O B TURNAGE 1001- DENVER, CO CHARLES Q JONES BOYD ADELBERT WATKINS MELVIN L WILLIAMS 1005- MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL, MN LOIS L CASE BRUCE E DAVIS LEO F NIKL MITCHELL S POSE 1028- DES PLAINES, IL CHARLES MORGAN 1179- NEW YORK, NY RICHARD T PENDLETON STEVEN ROLLINO 1181- NEW YORK, NY CAMILLE ASTORINO JOSEPH BOTTIE JAMES CARADONNA JAMES EDWARD CAREY ELLA CIRANNI ANDREW CORDIELLO ANTHONY G GARAFALO MARGARET HORTY JOYCE JERRAHIAN JOHN J LAMBE MICHAEL J LO RUSSO VINCENT MARTUCCI ANNEMAREE MURPHY CATHERINE NICOLOSI ANGELO NIGRO ROSARIO PICONE DAVID A STIMUS JR LESLIE WESLEY

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1209- NEW LONDON, CT OSCAR IVAN HAVUNEN

1277- LOS ANGELES, CA ROBERT E NICHOLAS

1338- DALLAS, TX THOMAS C PRICHARD

1225- SAN FRANCISCO, CA BEN G HORSBURGH

1287- KANSAS CITY, MO KENNETH M PAYNE LESLIE M TODD

1342- BUFFALO, NY ANDREW D BROWN ANNE E BROWN WILLIAM P MC DERMITT SEBASTIAN THOMAS

1235- NASHVILLE, TN RICHARD F COTHAM THOMAS J ESCUE JAMES W GULLEY

1300- BALTIMORE, MD EDWARD BERRYMAN WILLIAM T O’KEEFE

1267- FT. LAUDERDALE, FL DAVID KITCHEN

1309- SAN DIEGO, CA ATHOL J GARING

GEORGE R FALLOON WILLIAM F MANZA ROBERT A STEGGLES WILLIAM TERECK ABRAM THIESSEN 1564- DETROIT, MI LEONARD A PATCH

1447- LOUISVILLE, KY CARL A MILLS

1575- SAN RAFAEL, CA DENNIS J DUREE

1505- WINNIPEG, MB WILLIAM CROYDON

1576- LYNNWOOD, WA RONALD S JONES

1700- CHICAGO, IL ROGER P BENOIT ROBERT S MITCHELL GEORGE ROBINSON 1760- OTTAWA, ONT RITA PILON

International to Memorialize Deceased Local Officers at International Convention

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The International is seeking the names of elected local union presidents, business agents and financial secretaries who have passed away since September 6, 2004. These individuals will be displayed during a special memorial for our local officers who have died since the last Convention.

Please use the form below to send the name, title/office, local number and charter city,* and date of death to International President Warren S. George, ATU, 5025 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20016, no later than August 30, 2007.

Officer’s Name _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Title/Office: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Local Number: __________________________ Local Charter City: __________________________ Date of Death: __________________________ * for example: Local Number: 113

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Local Charter City: Toronto, ON

JULY/AUGUST 2007

23

PROUD TO BE ATU Moving the U.S. and Canada Safely ATU Sponsors New Orleans Habitat for Humanity Houses ATU International officers and staff join ATU New Orleans-area local officers in celebrating their hands-on experience in helping build one of two “Habitat for Humanity” houses that the Union has sponsored in that city.

Top Right: Financial Secretary Darrell C. Felix, 1560. The two just below him, from left, are former Local President Emmit Franklin, 1560; and Shop Steward Robert Bolds, 1560.

Standing (from left): International Executive Vice President Michael J. Siano, Executive Assistant to the International President Beth Petrusic, Executive Board Member Dan Smith, 1560; International President Warren S. George, Local President Joseph A. Prier, Jr., 1560; Executive Assistant to the International Secretary-Treasurer Lauri Straughan, International Secretary-Treasurer Oscar Owens, Local President Lawrence C. Green, 1400; International Vice President Rodney Richmond and former Financial Secretary Smith Crocken, 1560.

Kneeling in the front row (from left): Executive Assistant to the International Executive Vice President Missy Goode, Chief of Staff Benetta Mansfield and Executive Board Member Charles Lee, 1560. More pictures on pages 12 – 13.

Right Picture (from left): International President George and International Executive Vice President Siano survery the overgrown urban landscape in New Orleans.

Amalgamated Transit Union

AFL-CIO/CLC 5025 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20016 www.atu.org

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