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Seasons Greetings Official Journal of the Amalgamated Transit Union AFL-CIO/CLC
from the International Officers and Staff
2 0 0 7
nov/dec
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AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS WARREN S. GEORGE International President
MICHAEL J. SIANO
International Executive Vice President
OSCAR OWENS
International Secretary-Treasurer
International Vice Presidents TOMMY MULLINS Roanoke, VA – mullins@atu.org
JOSEPH WELCH
MESSAGE DU PRÉSIDENT INTERNATIONAL PAR WARREN S. GEORGE Vous Avez Choisi Hillary Comme je l’avais promis à la Convention Internationale de l’ATU en Septembre, l’ATU vient de faire une enquête auprès de nos membres aux Etats Unis pour identifier qui vous voudriez avoir pour prochain Président. Vous avez exprimé votre soutien enthousiaste pour le Sénateur Hillary Rodham Clinton. Les officiers et moi-même pouvons dire avec une assurance absolue que la personne que vous avez choisie est la bonne candidate pour l’ATU. Hillary Rodham Clinton est une personne passionnée ainsi qu’une championne expérimentée pour tous les sujets qui importent le plus à nos membres et c’est clair que nos membres le reconnaissent aussi. Seule candidate avec un plan précis pour les transports en commun Le Sénateur Clinton est le seul candidat qui a publié un plan précis sur ses intentions d’améliorer les transports en commun dans notre pays. Elle est la seule candidate qui aborde régulièrement le sujet du financement des transports en commun dans les débats et autres réunions publiques.
RODNEY RICHMOND
Durant les sept ans pendant lesquels elle a été Sénateur, elle s’est battue pour augmenter le financement des transports en commun, pour la continuation de notre Section 13(c) sur la protection des travailleurs dans les transports en commun, pour l’amélioration et une plus grande facilité d’accès de la couverture médicale et, pour la protection de la retraite.
DONALD T. HANSEN
En temps que Président et avec une majorité démocratique dans les deux chambres du Congrès, elle proposera, signera et fera passer des lois et les fera respecter telle que celle sur la santé pour tous, pour laquelle elle s’est battue avec acharnement au Sénat.
Syracuse, NY
New Orleans, LA – rrichmond@atu.org 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
Une combattante Sénateur Clinton est une combattante qui non seulement est motivée mais qui est aussi engagée, qui est passionnée et qui est capable d’accomplir des choses pour les travailleurs américains des transports en commun Je suis fier de votre décision et fier d’annoncer que l’ATU soutien la candidature d’Hillary Clinton comme Président. Hillary Clinton comme Président. J’espère que vous allez soutenir notre choix et que vous travaillerez avec l’ATU pendant les 11 prochains mois pour envoyer le candidat choisi de l’ATU à la maison blanche. C’est notre responsabilité de s’assurer que le reste de l’Amérique choisisse Hillary comme prochain Président. En attendant, au nom de ma femme Janice et des autres membres de la Famille George, je vous souhaite de très bonnes fêtes, paix et succès pour la nouvelle année. Que cette nouvelle année soit l’année où l’on élit un Président, un Sénat et un Congrès qui sont à l’écoute des travailleurs!
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
UN MENSAJE DEL PRESIDENTE INTERNACIONAL POR WARREN S. GEORGE Ustedes Seleccionaron a Hillary Según prometí durante la Convención Internacional de ATU en Septiembre, la ATU recientemente llevó a cabo una encuesta hecha al azar entre nuestros miembros de Estados Unidos para determinar quién ustedes preferirían que fuera el próximo Presidente de nuestro país. Ustedes llegaron a una conclusión, y han expresado un apoyo entusiástico por la Senadora Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Canton, MI – pbowen@atu.org
Los dirigentes ejecutivos de la unión y yo podemos declarar con absoluta certitud que la persona que ustedes han seleccionado es el candidato correcto para la ATU. Hillary Rodham Clinton es una persona compasiva, atenta, considerada y una campeona de gran experiencia sobre los temas que más les importan a nuestros miembros – y es bien claro que nuestros miembros han reconocido esas extraordinarias cualidades.
LAWRENCE J. HANLEY
El Único Candidato Presidencial que Propone un Detallado Plan de Transporte Público en su Plataforma
PAUL BOWEN
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
La Senadora Clinton es el único candidato que dado a conocer públicamente un detallado plan sobre como ella intenta mejorar el sistema de transporte público en este país. Ella es el único candidato que regularmente introduce el tema de financiamiento para el transporte público en los debates y en otros eventos públicos. Durante sus siete años como Senadora de los Estados Unidos, ella ha luchado arduamente por el aumento del financiamiento para el transporte publico, por la continuación de nuestra Sección 13 (c) de protección laboral en el tránsito, un mejor sistema de salud y un acceso más amplio al seguro para el cuidado de la salud a precios asequibles, y seguridad en la jubilación. Como Presidente, ella hará propuestas y con una mayoría Democrática en ambas cámaras del congreso, firmara la promulgación de legislación que obligue el cumplimiento de temas vitales, tales como cuidado de la salud para todos, algo por lo cual ella ha luchado tan arduamente en el Senado de Estados Unidos. Una Luchadora La Senadora Clinton es una luchadora, quien no solamente tiene la motivación, pero también el inflexible compromiso, la pasión y la capacidad de hacer realizaciones de beneficio para los trabajadores del tránsito de América, así como también para todos los hombres y mujeres trabajadores en los Estados Unidos. Yo estoy muy orgulloso de la decisión que ustedes han tomado, y con gran orgullo anuncio públicamente que la ATU con gran entusiasmo endosa la candidatura de Hillary Clinton para Presidente. Yo espero que ustedes apoyarán nuestro endoso y que trabajarán con la ATU durante los próximos once meses para enviar a la Casa Blanca al candidato endosado por la ATU. Es nuestro trabajo ahora asegurarnos que el resto de América también selecciona a Hillary para ser nuestro próximo Presidente. Mientras tanto, a nombre proprio, de mi esposa Janice, y del resto de la familia George, ¡yo les deseo a todos ustedes las más felices fiestas navideñas y un Año Nuevo lleno de éxitos y de Paz! ¡Qué sea este nuevo año, el año en que nosotros elegimos a un Presidente, un Senado y una Cámara de Representantes que sean amigos de los trabajadores!
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A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
You chose
Hillary As I promised at the ATU International Convention in September, ATU recently conducted a random survey of our U.S. membership to determine who you would like to see as the next President. You have spoken and expressed enthusiastic support for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton. The executive officers and I can say with absolute certainty that the individual you chose is the right candidate for the ATU. Hillary Rodham Clinton is a compassionate, thoughtful, and experienced champion for the issues that matter most to our members – and it is clear that our members recognize that.
ONLY CANDIDATE WITH A DETAILED MASS TRANSIT PLAN Senator Clinton is the only candidate who has released a detailed plan on how she intends to improve mass transit in this country. She is the only candidate who regularly raises the issue of mass transit funding in debates and other public appearances.
‘she is the only candidate who regularly raises the issue of mass transit...’
In her seven years as a U.S. senator, she has fought for increased funding for mass transit, the continuation of our Section 13(c) transit labor protections, improved and increased access to affordable health care, and retirement security. As President, she will propose and with Democratic majorities in both houses, sign legislation into law that enacts and enforces the issues, like health care for all, that she has fought so hard for in the U.S. Senate.
A FIGHTER Senator Clinton is a fighter, who not only has the drive, but has the commitment, the passion and the ability to get things done for America’s transit workers and all working men and women in the U.S. I am proud of your decision, and proud to announce that ATU enthusiastically endorses Hillary Clinton for President. I hope you will support our endorsement and will work with the ATU over the next 11 months to send the ATU-endorsed candidate to the White House. It’s our job to make sure the rest of America chooses Hillary their next President. In the meantime, on behalf of myself, my wife Janice, and the rest of the George family, I wish the happiest of holidays and a peaceful and successful New Year! May this new year be the year we elect a worker-friendly President, Senate and House!
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2007 Vol. 116, No. 6
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Contents 2
International Officers & General Executive Board
International President’s Message in French & Spanish
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International President’s Message You Chose Hillary
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Magazine Index
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International Executive Vice President’s Message This Woman’s Place is in the Home on Pennsylvania Avenue
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International SecretaryTreasurer’s Message Why Should the ATU Support the A. Philip Randolph Institute?
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News from the Front Lines A Banner Year for Organizing
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ATU, Unions Win Big in 2007 Elections
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Polls Find US ATU Members Favor Hillary, Clinton, Feel Very Positive About Union, Want to Volunteer
10 ATU Endorses Hillary Clinton for President 11 Canadian Agenda: ATU, NDP Renew Call for Enhanced Transit Worker Protection
8 Story on Page 10
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8 ATU, Unions Win Big in 2007 Elections ATU, NDP Renew Call for Enhanced 11 Transit Worker Protection Report: 12 Legislative Louisiana - The Never Ending Storm 24 Legal Notice for Fair Share Fee-Payers Bill Seeks Crackdown on ADA Violations 26 by Over-the-Road Bus Companies
12 Legislative Report Louisiana - The Never Ending Storm 14 GEB Minutes: Excerpts, September 11-15, 2007 22 Focus on Wellness: Stay Fit this Winter 23 Know Your Rights: Whistleblowing 24 Legal Notice for Fair Share Fee-Payers 26 Bill Seeks Crackdown on ADA Violations by Over-the-Road Bus Companies
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27 Local News 29 Coming ATU Training and Events 30 In Memoriam 32 Proud to Be ATU ATU Financial Secretary Seminar
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.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
This Woman’s Place is in the Home on Pennsylvania Avenue All my life, I have been surrounded by women. Growing up in New Jersey, I had three sisters and was my parents’ only son. Once in a while, I was lucky enough to get a word in edgewise. Sometimes I was even able to gain access to the restroom. Then I got married to a wonderful lady and we were blessed with four beautiful, smart, and strong-willed daughters. When they were very young, I always told the girls that here in America, if they put their minds to it, they could grow up to be anything they wanted to be. I must admit however, in those days, President of the United States was not in my thoughts. From my own personal point of view, that is one of the most exciting aspects of Hillary Clinton’s campaign. We need to break the 231-year cycle of men leading our country. It’s time to put a woman in the White House.
NOT JUST ANY WOMAN But of course, we are not talking about just any woman here. This is a U.S. senator who holds the same beliefs and values as ATU members. She supports increasing public transit funding, making health care affordable and accessible to every American, and strengthening the middle class.
‘this is a u.s. senator who holds the same beliefs and values as ATU members!’
Hillary understands that union workers earn 30% more than non-union workers, and that for women and workers of color, the union wage advantage is even higher. With that in mind, she knows that making it easier to organize is the key to the long-term strength of unions, so she, of course, is one of the leading advocates of the Employee Free Choice Act. If Hillary had been President in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina destroyed the Gulf Coast, I would have bet my last dollar that millions of African Americans who had nowhere to turn for help would not have been tossed aside like an old cell phone. And if Mrs. Clinton is elected President in 2008, she will work to end this horrible, out-of-control war in Iraq in which nearly 4,000 Americans have lost their lives for a cause that has yet to be determined. As I write this, it is day 1,652 since George W. Bush declared “Mission Accomplished” in Iraq. What a joke. It is going to take years to get our credibility back across the globe, and Hillary Clinton is the best person to get that job done. The fact that she is a woman is just a bonus. On behalf of my wife Judy and all the women in my life, I wish you a peaceful 2008. Let’s make it a historic year.
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A MESSAGE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER
Why Should the ATU Support the A. Philip Randolph Institute? For many years, the labor movement in the United States echoed the segregation of the country. Many unions, including some of the ATU locals in the South maintained segregated locals and permitted racism in the workplace. Decades later, the labor movement is at the forefront of civil rights and human rights whatever our color, nationality, sex, or sexual orientation. The ATU and the entire labor movement owe much of the credit for this to the A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI).
‘the ATU fights for worker justice and so does the APRI.’
APRI was founded in 1968 by A. Philip Randolph and Bayard Rustin, to continue the struggle started during the civil rights movement for social, political and economic justice for all working Americans. Bayard Rustin, one of my personal heroes, was already a civil rights leader and strategist, and the chief organizer of the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom (best known as the event at which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his historic “I have a dream” speech).
EVENING THE PLAYING FIELD The legendary A. Philip Randolph, the greatest black labor leader in American history, organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the first black labor organization. Both men dedicated their lives to evening the economic playing field for minorities. I am proud and honored to sit on the Board of the APRI. On that Board we create the programs that fight for the causes all workers believe in: • • • • • • • • •
Civil rights, strong anti-discrimination measures and affirmative action Policies to promote a decent wage, high growth, full employment economy Labor law reform and worker health and safety protections Decent minimum living standards for all, including anti-poverty programs, a fair minimum wage and a comprehensive “safety net” Universal, affordable health care Family leave and child care Progressive and fair tax policies International workers’ rights and fair trade Education and training programs
EDUCATION IS THE KEY As it always has been, education is the key to justice for all workers. APRI spends a great deal of time working with minority youth. A perfect example is the work APRI is doing nationwide to train our young adults to register voters. The labor movement and the civil rights movement work hand in hand. I am proud that the ATU lends its hand in support of this. The ATU fights for worker justice and so does the APRI. A. Philip Randolph’s words continue to ring true: “The overwhelming majority of blacks are workers, and organized labor is the home of working men and women . . so blacks and labor are natural allies.” Happy Holidays to all ATU members and their families and wishes for a prosperous 2008!
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E DUC AT E . A G I TAT E . MOB I L I Z E .
ORGANIZE N E W S
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A Banner Year for Organizing 2007 was a banner year for the Amalgamated Transit Union – and organizing proved to be no exception. In its first year of operation the ATU Organizing Department made significant gains.
“As a small local, I always thought we could never spend any time organizing. But, I was wrong. The key is identifying and developing leaders from the worksite,” Anderson explained.
Many local unions participated in the new organizing drive. While some of the participating locals have organized for years, for others, the foray into member organizing was a first.
Dale mentioned that the hardest challenge is overcoming employees’ fear. “Workers have to see their co-workers – especially the most respected ones – stand together. Then everyone feels the unity and the strength of the Union. This is what overcomes fear and leads to victory,” he asserted.
Working with the International, these locals collectively brought over 1,000 new members into the ATU from across North America. Over 100 rank and file member-organizers and officers took union leave to staff campaigns in their regions during the year.
A TOP PRIORITY
Even though this first year yielded great success, ATU still has a long road ahead. International President George stated at the 55th Convention that we must continue to emphasize organizing — and organizing at a larger scale.
Local President Stan Dera, 1573-Brampton, ON, says his local is committed to organizing. Due to the growth in transit in his area, Stan’s local has increased in size year after year. Nevertheless, organizing will be a top priority for the local. “We will start aggressively targeting and organizing other properties in my region,” he said.
NON-UNION COMPETITION
‘IF YOU DON’T, ANOTHER UNION WILL!’
Local President Patricia Carfagna, 1729-Pittsburgh, PA, understands the challenges of organizing all too well. Her school bus and paratransit local must always worry about competition from non-union properties.
The Canadian Council has pledged to support all organizing by Canadian locals. After hosting an organizing strategy session for several locals in the Greater Toronto Region, Canadian Director Robin West urged local officers to go out and start organizing the unorganized, warning, “If we don’t, another union will!”
In order to stem the tide of losing routes or work to these operations, Local 1729 began aggressively organizing non-union companies in its area. As a result, the local welcomed numerous new members this year. Carfagna issued a challenge of her own, urging all ATU school bus locals to adopt a plan to organize at least two unorganized properties per year.
Organizing school bus, paratransit and traditional public transit services, ATU will continue to grow into the future. Contact the International Organizing Department if your local has plans to organize.
Pat admits, “It is a lot of work, but it needs to be done. We can not change the school bus industry when we only represent a handful of operations across the country.” She predicts, however, “We can organize 1,000 school bus drivers and monitors if we all work together and commit the necessary people from our locals.”
THE KEY IS IDENTIFYING LEADERS After helping Local 1005-Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN, win an organizing campaign for nearly 50 Rochester drivers, Local President Dale Anderson, 519-La Crosse, WI, has been involved in a campaign a little closer to home.
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ATU, UNIONS WIN BIG IN 2007 ELECTIONS H
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Working families made huge gains on November 6, as voters across the country delivered wins for union-endorsed candidates in state and local races. These great successes were due in no small part to the hard work of union members, including ATU members, who pounded the pavement and turned out the union vote.
KENTUCKY In Kentucky, Democratic gubernatorial challenger Steve Beshear blew out sitting Republican Governor Ernie Fletcher by 18 points. Seventy-seven percent of union voters supported Beshear. With union members and their families making up a quarter of all voters in the state, there is no doubt that Beshear would not have won without the work of organized labor. In the week leading up to election day, a proud ATU member from Louisville (1447) drove the bus for the Bluegrass Worksite Leaflet Tour that criss-crossed Kentucky in support of Beshear.
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Virginia has been trending Democratic in recent years – with Democratic Governor Kaine’s victory in 2005, U.S. Senator Jim Webb’s election in 2006, and the recent gains in the state legislature. Virginia is a target state for the AFL-CIO for the presidential contest in 2008. The Democrats also believe they can pick up the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by John Warner, where popular former Governor Mark Warner has already announced his candidacy for the seat.
NEW JERSEY In New Jersey, union-member candidates claimed victory in an astounding 33 races — including mayoral, city council, and assembly races. Democrats extended their lead in the senate, 23-17, and maintained a 49-31 majority in the assembly. ATU members throughout the state were critical in delivering these victories. Similarly, in Ohio, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, numerous union-endorsed candidates won state and local races with the help of the ATU and other AFL-CIO affiliates.
More than 22 international unions, including the ATU, participated in the tour which went to 25 counties. 400,000 leaflets were distributed to union members and more than 7,000 union members knocked on doors and made phone calls to union households.
VIRGINIA In Virginia, a worker-friendly majority was elected to the state senate. With the help of ATU and other union volunteers, the Democrats took four seats to gain control of the state senate for the first time since 1999. Democrats also increased their number of seats in the state house by four. ATU members in Norfolk (1177) and Northwern Virginia (689) made phone calls and knocked on the doors of union members to ensure we got the labor vote out.
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Polls Find US ATU Members Favor Hillary Clinton, Feel Very Positive About Union, Want to Volunteer Senator Hillary Clinton, D-NY, is the favorite of ATU’s U.S. members among a crowded field of contenders for the Democratic nomination for president. In two scientific polls conducted in August and November, the senator from New York was preferred by the greatest number of American members in her bid for the White House.
MEMBERS FEEL VERY POSITIVE ABOUT ATU In addition, the August poll revealed that ATU members feel very positive toward their Union, both at the local and national level. Nearly four out of five members are favorable toward their local union (78% favorable, 37% very favorable) with only 17% unfavorable. The positive image remains high when members are asked about “your national union” (68% favorable with 30% very favorable), and is slightly stronger when asked about “the Amalgamated Transit Union” (79% favorable, 39% very favorable).
MEMBERS EAGER TO VOLUNTEER In fact, U.S. ATU members feel so positive that they are eager to do volunteer work for the Union. A majority (58%) say they would volunteer for two hours per month in specific union activities (17% definitely, 41% probably). Almost a third of members would participate – but have not been asked. By far, most would be willing to volunteer for community charities (75% total likely, 34% very likely). But in what may portend unprecedented ATU participation in the coming election, most say that they are willing to distribute literature to other members (69%, 26%). There’s good news for organizers too. Most members would be willing to talk to workers who are not members (59%, 28%).
ANOTHER FIRST FOR ATU The polls initiated by International President Warren S. George mark the first time scientific surveys have been used to ascertain the opinions of ATU members. Each poll conducted by Lake Research Partners randomly surveyed 600 ATU members nationwide. The margin of error is +/- 4.0%. The November figures confirmed the results of the August poll, which indicate that most members’ views of the Democratic candidates follow national trends: In the Democratic primary, Hillary Clinton leads with 38% of the ATU vote (4% higher than her August total), followed by Barack Obama (25%), and John Edwards (11%), with no other candidate above 3%. Nineteen percent are undecided.
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Among the small number of ATU Republican primary voters, Rudy Giuliani leads, followed by Fred Thompson, Mike Huckabee, and Mitt Romney.
THE ISSUES The August poll discerned that members have a wide array of strong concerns, but are mainly worried about pocketbook issues. When asked to rate issues on a scale from 10 to 1, with a 10 meaning it is extremely important the next president acts on this and 1 meaning it is not important at all, every issue tested was rated “10” by a majority of members. The top tier includes retirement and Social Security (69% rate 10), health care and prescription drugs (68%), and then the economy and jobs (67%). The war in Iraq, a top concern nationally, comes in fourth place (63%), followed by two issues important to ATU members: federal funding for transit (59%) and labor and workplace safety issues (57%). Members care strongly about union and workplace issues, but also about the personal qualities of the candidates. Nearly 40% say a candidate’s position on working issues (29%) or a union endorsement (10%) are most important in deciding their vote, followed by 20% for personal character and values, 17% for positions on non-working issues, and experience (11%).
NEARLY ALL MEMBERS SAY THEY WILL VOTE In what may be the best news of all, nearly all members (94%) say they are likely to vote in the 2008 general election (85% almost certain, 9% probably). Among those likely voters, 89% are planning to vote in their state’s primary (74% almost certain, 15% probably) – with most planning to vote in the Democratic primary (62% Democratic, 13% Republican, 25% not sure). Politically, these members are very anti-Bush as his personal rating is only 18% favorable and 73% unfavorable – well below his national rating among all voters.
COMMUNICATION The poll also showed that the most effective union communication still takes place at the local level. Nearly three quarters of members say communication with their shop steward is an important source of information on issues (70% important, 35% very important), followed by their local’s newspaper or magazine (68%, 28%). Other important forms of communication include the In Transit (70%, 26%), and other union communications (66%, 27%). Internet usage lags behind the printed word in the ATU, however, a significant number – 37% – say the ATU website is an important source of information (14% very important).
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007
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Hillary Clinton for President — A T U
E N D O R S E S —
On November 29, the Amalgamated Transit Union joined the growing ranks of unions which have endorsed Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton in the race for the Democratic nomination for president. The endorsement was approved by the ATU General Executive Board after careful consideration of the results of two random polls of the ATU’s U.S. members (see page 9), as well as a review all of the candidates’ positions on ATU priority issues. The results of the polls, the most recent of which shows that U.S. members prefer the New York senator by 13 points over her nearest competitor, indicate a recognition by ATU members that her experience, intelligence and commitment make her uniquely qualified to represent the interests of transit workers, and all working men and women in America – especially at this critical moment in our nation’s history.
STRENGTH AND EXPERIENCE “On transit issues, as well as the basic pocketbook issues that most matter to our members, there is no doubt that Senator Clinton is the best candidate to address the needs of ATU members,” declared International President Warren S. George. “And, as her record shows, she has the strength and experience to achieve the changes that the workers of this country need and deserve.” In accepting the ATU endorsement, Clinton stated that she is “honored to receive the support of the men and women of the Amalgamated Transit Union,” and pledged “When I’m President, America’s working families will again have an advocate in the White House.”
POWERFUL RECORD Clinton’s record on working family issues is a powerful one. She has a 35-year record of advocacy and real results. She has been a champion for women’s rights and human rights around the world, an advocate for seniors and children, and a fighter for middle class families. As the senator representing New York after 9/11, she has fought to strengthen our homeland security and has been a leader in the fight to enhance security in our nation’s rail and transit systems. With the first primaries just over a month away, International President George made a commitment to Senator Clinton that the ATU would quickly move to educate ATU members about the senator’s positions on transit and labor and would mobilize its U.S. members and their families in the early primary states in support of her nomination.
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Clinton on ATU Priorities Guaranteeing universal health care – Hillary’s health care plan, the American Health Choices Plan, will provide quality, affordable health care to all Americans. Under her plan, people enrolled in a health care plan can keep their plans if they want to. But people who want to change plans or don’t have any coverage can choose from the same plans available to Congress or opt into a public plan option like Medicare. Helping Americans save and build wealth for their future – Hillary has a plan to give every American the chance to save and invest in a new American Retirement Account, which will offer millions of middle-class families generous matching tax cuts of up to $1,000. In essence, the plan will provide universal access to a completely portable and generous 401(k). Giving workers a fair chance to join a union – Hillary will sign the Employee Free Choice Act into law so workers can choose to form a union free from employer coercion and bargain collectively. Providing families resources to better balance work and family - Hillary has a plan to expand access to paid leave through a new State Family Leave Innovation Fund, extend the Family and Medical Leave Act to cover 13 million additional workers, and guarantee at least seven paid sick days per year. Investing in America’s transit systems – Hillary has proposed an 11-point infrastructure plan that includes allocating an additional $1.5 billion per year in federal funding for public transit. She also supports increasing the amount of tax-free transit benefits that employers can offer to their employees to equal the amount allowed for parking. Confronting global warming and moving our country toward energy independence – Hillary has a plan with three goals: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050; to cut foreign oil imports by two-thirds from projected levels by 2030; and to transform our carbonbased economy into an efficient green economy, creating millions of new jobs through major investments in alternative energy. Ensuring that trade policies work for Americans – Hillary believes that trade policies must have strong protections for workers and the environment. To that end, Hillary will appoint within the office of the U.S. Trade Representative a trade enforcement officer – who will be responsible for making sure that our trade agreements are vigorously enforced – and double the size of the enforcement unit.
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canadianagenda ATU, NDP Renew Call for Enhanced Transit Worker Protection At a press conference on November 13, ATU Canadian Council Director Robin West joined NDP Trade Critic and MP Peter Julian (Burnaby–New Westminster), along with NDP Transport Critic and MP Brian Masse (Windsor West) and a representative of the Canadian Auto Workers Union, to highlight the importance of a new Private Member’s Bill, C-473, tabled by Julian in the House of Commons earlier that day. The bill, which follows Julian’s Motion M-358 from last spring, responds to a serious need for stiffer penalties for those who assault bus drivers and transit operators by establishing a separate offence in Canada’s Criminal Code that carries with it a maximum sentence of 20 years. This is similar to the separate offence for assaulting police officers.
ranges from verbal abuse to spitting, sexual harassment and assault, and even deadly physical assault. Virtually every day bus drivers and public transit operators are assaulted in one of Canada’s urban centres. Since January 2007 alone, one bus worker was shot, while another bus worker was so severely beaten that she has not been able to return to work four months later. “Bus workers and transit operators deserve safety in the workplace,” said ATU Canadian Director West, “Bill C-473 sends a clear message that Canadians will not tolerate attacks on these important public workers.”
AGGRESSION INCREASING “Statistics clearly show that the number of aggressions against public transportation workers is increasing,” said Julian. “Canadians need to ensure that public transportation workers are safe as well as able to maintain the maximum safety for their passengers.” “Bus workers and transit operators are particularly vulnerable to aggression,” said Masse, “and so far there has been no response at the federal level to the NDP’s call for increased protection for these workers.” In further support of the bill, almost 5,000 Canadians have already signed petitions stating that they want to see additional protections for bus drivers and transit operators.
OPERATORS ASSAULTED EVERY DAY Unfortunately, Canadian transit workers have faced serious and increasing violence and assault in the workplace. The violence www.atu.org
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LEGISLATIVE REPORT:
LOUISI THE NEVER ENDING STORM
We all remember the horrifying pictures on our television screens. Water was everywhere. Millions of homes were destroyed. Helpless people were standing on their rooftops with their children and pets pleading for help. And they were the lucky ones. Others died while waiting for help at the Superdome, their bodies abandoned on the sidewalk as if it were trash day. This was New Orleans, LA, in the days after Hurricane Katrina, one of the worst human tragedies in modern history.
GOVERNMENT FAILED Federal, state, and local government failed the residents of New Orleans on that day. When the University of New Orleans surveyed the city’s residents about their personal hurricane evacuation plans a full year before the storm, it found that many people had no plan at all. An estimated 100,000 New Orleans residents had no means to evacuate: no car, not enough money for airfare or a bus ticket, no friends or family to help them leave town. Why then, were the majority of the city’s transit buses – which provided the only means of escape in the event of an evacuation – left like sitting ducks to be swept up by the waters of Lake Pontchartrain? Why weren’t the hundreds of ATU members employed by the area’s three transit agencies asked to help get people out?
NOT A SOUND There are many questions to ask about what happened that day, and even more about what has happened in the 27 months since the storm. Even now, there are entire sections of the city that look just as they did when the flood waters first started to recede. Not a sound can be heard for miles. Local President Joseph Prier, Jr., 1560-New Orleans, LA, recalled how transit service in the city was cut by 80% after Katrina. “We lost over 700 members. We lost 350 buses. We used to pick up 197,000 people a day. We’re doing 30,000 - 40,000 a day now,” Prier lamented, “But it doesn’t have to be that way.”
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The federal response, led by President Bush, has remained painstakingly slow. The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA) has been using very old buses with high mileage donated by transit agencies across the U.S. in an effort to keep some service on the street.
‘You can’t ask people to come back when they have no way of getting around.’ -Local President Donnie K. Small, Sr., 1535-Harahan, LA
TRANSIT IS ESSENTIAL Although the city’s population has increased moderately in recent months, it is nowhere near what it was prior to the storm. The majority of the area’s poorest residents have not returned. Many have relocated to nearby Jefferson Parish, LA, just minutes from downtown New Orleans and the home of Local President Donnie K. Small, Sr., 1535-Harahan, LA, a longtime president of the ATU Louisiana Legislative Conference Board. “You can’t ask people to come back when they have no way of getting around,” insisted Small, “Transit is essential to helping our citizens get access to jobs, health care, groceries, and other necessities of life. Since the storm, their options have been limited.” In early 2006, Small flew to Washington, DC, to lobby Congress and the Federal Transit Administration for additional transit money. While the extra funding did not come through, the conference board was able to secure language in a bill to allow Katrina-affected areas to use their existing federal transit funds to pay for operating expenses until 2008. Normally, such funds can only be used to pay for equipment.
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ANA ‘IT’S A LONG BATTLE’
MEETING PAID OFF
While Jefferson Parish has been overflowing with new residents, the local government has been unwilling to put new bus service on the street. In fact, it is running fewer buses than it was prior to the storm. Small has been outspoken on this issue, working with the local community in an effort to put pressure on elected officials. “It’s a long battle,” explains Small, “We’re getting there, but there is still a lot of work left to be done.”
That meeting paid off, as the governor later recommended to the legislature that it increase funding for public transit in an effort to repopulate the region. Throughout the spring, the conference board orchestrated a postcard campaign with bus riders in support of increased transit funding. In some cities, local officials actually prohibited ATU members from conducting the campaign on the buses. Nevertheless, the conference board distributed thousands of letters to transit customers and delivered them to members of the legislature. The end result was a strong 20% increase in funding that will be used to increase service throughout the state. “It’s a good start,” said Small, “Not as much as we asked for, but you’ve got to start somewhere. Next year we are going after dedicated funding so that no matter who is in office, transit will get its share.” More than two years after the storm, most Americans have stopped thinking about New Orleans. They have moved on, focusing on their own problems. ATU members in the New Orleans area are not afforded that luxury. They see the heartache caused by Katrina every day. Even today, some transit passengers in the New Orleans area have to wait more than two hours for a bus, and some 300 people a week are turned down from much-needed paratransit service.
The Louisiana Conference Board, from left: Sam Maclies, Jr., Local 1535Harahan; Kathy Patterson, 1546-Baton Rouge; Donnie K. Small, Sr., 1535; Lawrence C. Green, 1400-New Orleans; Joseph A. Prier, Jr., 1560-New Orleans; Deotis Pruitt and Damian D. Armstrong, 1160-Monroe.
In January, 2007, Small led a delegation of ATU members from across the state to meet with the staff of then-Governor Kathleen Blanco, D, to secure more money for public transit statewide. The conference board noted that even before Katrina, Louisiana’s state transit funding was extremely low. Other southern states such as Tennessee and North Carolina – which have less transit than Louisiana – have been providing much more.
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In 2005, ATU members in the Big Easy lost their loved ones, their pets, and their personal belongings. But they never lost hope, or their love for the city’s residents. “I fight everyday because it’s about the people we pick up,” said Prier.
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EXCERPTS FROM THE MEETING OF THE
General Executive Board BALLY’S LAS VEGAS, NV — SEPTEMBER 11-15, 2007 FIRST SESSION The meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 11, 2007. General Executive Board Members present were Tommy Mullins, Joseph Welch, Rodney Richmond, Donald Hansen, Robert Baker, Larry Kinnear, Randy Graham, Javier Perez, Jr., Richard Murphy, Bob Hykaway, Charles Cook, William McLean, Ronald Heintzman, Janis Borchardt, Paul Bowen, Larry Hanley, Kenneth Kirk, and Gary Rauen. International President Warren George presided. Also present were International Executive Vice President Michael Siano, International Secretary-Treasurer Oscar Owens, Chief of Staff Benetta Mansfield, General Counsel Leo Wetzel, and Executive Assistant to the International President Beth Petrusic. Canadian Council Director Robin West attended as a guest. INTRODUCTORY REMARKS After briefly discussing elements of the program for the upcoming 55th Convention, International President George outlined the matters which would be put before the Board for its consideration in the coming days, noting in part that no appeals pursuant to Section 22.10 of the Constitution and General Laws were to be presented. REIMBURSEMENT OF HOTEL INTERNET CHARGES AUTHORIZED Upon a motion of International Vice President Cook which was duly seconded by International Vice President Perez, and following extensive discussion, the Board determined, in opposition to the expressed views of International President George and International Secretary-Treasurer Owens, that when International officers are in active service of the ATU and on the road, any hotel charges incurred for computerized internet service shall be considered an allowed, authorized and reimbursable expense. GENERAL DISCUSSION Several members of the Board commended improvements recently made to the ATU’s website and praised its increased utility. International President George briefly discussed a variety of other and similar initiatives undertaken by newer members of the International staff.
- the members of Local 1181 (New York, NY) employed by the jointly bargaining Atlantic Paratransit, Maggie’s Paratransit, MV Paratransit and TFM Paratransit, and
- the members of Local 1181 (New York, NY) employed by GBC, Inc.
Upon the request of International Vice President William McLean, the Board granted strike sanction to: - the members of Local 1704 (San Bernardino, CA) employed by Omnitrans. - the members of Local 1704 (San Bernardino, CA) employed by Laidlaw Transit. Upon the request of International Vice President Larry Kinnear, the Board granted strike sanction to: - the members of Local 508 (Halifax, NS) employed by the Halifax Regional Municipality. Upon the request of International Vice President Kenneth Kirk, the Board granted strike sanction to: - the members of Local 732 (Atlanta, GA) employed by Veolia (Cobb Transit). APPROVAL OF LONGER TERM CONTRACT TERMS Acting pursuant to Section 32.1 of the Constitution and General Laws and upon the request of International Vice President Tommy Mullins, the Board authorized Local 1181 (New York, NY) to enter into a 5-year collective bargaining agreement with Atlantic Paratransit, Maggie’s Paratransit, MV Paratransit and TFM Paratransit. Acting pursuant to Section 32.1 of the Constitution and General Laws and upon the request of International Vice President Larry Kinnear, the Board authorized Local 1320 (Peterborough, ON) to enter into a 5-year collective bargaining agreement with the Corporation of the City of Peterborough. REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER ON ATU-COPE, ATU SCHOLARSHIP, AND MS RESEARCH FUNDS ATU-COPE
MINUTES APPROVED The minutes of the previous General Executive Board meeting were approved with a modification to correctly identify, as Laidlaw Transit Ltd. (Barry Transit), the involved employer in the initial strike sanction granted to members of Local 1415 (Toronto, ON) at its spring 2007 session.
The Amalgamated Transit Union Committee on Political Education (ATUCOPE) program collects voluntary contributions from ATU members for the purposes of making contributions to and expenditures for candidates for federal, state and local offices and addressing federal, state and local political issues.
AUDIT COMMITTEE APPOINTED
The highlights of the contributions paid from the various funds (combined) for the six-month period ending June 30, 2007, were reported as follows:
Appointed to the Audit Committee were International Vice Presidents Javier Perez, Jr., and Richard Murphy, Bob Hykaway. International Vice President Perez, further, was appointed as Chair of the panel.
Local Mayoral Campaigns Councilperson Campaigns Other
STRIKE SANCTIONS APPROVED
Between January 1, 2007, and June 30, 2007, ATU-COPE took in contributions totaling $415,906.42. As of June 30, 2007, the funds had a combined available balance of $235,455.53.
Upon the request of International Vice President Tommy Mullins, the Board granted strike sanction to:
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$ 5,900.00 $11,900.00 $ 9,850.00
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ATU SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
RESULTS OF MEMBER SURVEY REVIEWED
The selection process for the 20th annual ATU scholarships, named in memory of Melvin Schoppert, former International Vice President, was completed during this period by the Scholarship Selection Committee. The committee was chaired by James Kennedy, Jr., senior vice president of ULLICO. The other committee members were John W. Harrison III, president of Eberts& Harrison, and Trip McLaughlin of the Anthony, McLaughlin & Offen Group.
The Board reviewed a preliminary summary of the results of a membership survey which was commissioned by the executive officers and undertaken by Lake Research Partners of Washington, DC, in late August of 2007. Conducted among a representative sample of 600 active ATU members in the United States, the poll was designed to test member views of the ATU, levels of involvement and activity, methods of communication, and the political context heading into the 2008 U.S. Presidential election. After initially examining data produced from the survey, the Board heard a telephonic presentation about the survey by David Mermin, a partner in the retained polling firm, who thereafter responded to a series of questions from members of the Board. International President George confirmed that members of the Board would be provided with copies of the ultimate and more extensive survey report that Lake Research Partners is to prepare.
A total of 80 applications (63 from the U.S. and 17 from Canada) met all of the program’s requirements. These were reduced to 16 finalists. This year’s winners were reported to the Board as follows: Tuan A. Trinh, son of Local 819 (Newark, NJ) member Nhung Trinh, who is interested in pursuing a career in biochemistry. Kevin M. Rabichow, son of Local 308 (Chicago, IL) member Robert Rabichow, who plans to pursue a career in mathematics. Daniel Duckworth, son of Local 1225 (San Francisco, CA) member David Duckworth, who plans to obtain a degree in computer science. Yasmin S. Aranda, daughter of Local 265 (San Jose, CA) member David Aranda, who is interested in obtaining a degree in psychology. Sukhman K Sandhu, daughter of Local 583 (Calgary, AB) member Gurlal Sandhu, who plans to pursue a degree in kinesiology. The vocational/technical scholarship was not awarded as no applications for it were received. ATU MS RESEARCH FUNDS It was reported that the 22nd annual golf tournament for the benefit of multiple sclerosis research is scheduled for October 22, 2007, at the Norbeck Country Club. Plans have been made to invite a representative from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society to share updates regarding any advancements in medical research. In addition, this year we hope to increase our revenue by encouraging increased participation from our vendor sponsors. The Board was also advised of plans for the second ATU Idol talent show for the benefit of multiple sclerosis to be held at the 55th Convention. Because this contest proved to be a huge success at the last Convention, a decision was made to raise the ticket price. In addition, plans to sign up “boosters” (based upon a minimum $5 contribution) during the Convention registration and throughout the Convention week were detailed. Financial Statements for the period of January 1, 2007, through June 30, 2007, for both the US and Canadian MS Research Funds were provided to the General Executive Board members. GENERAL DISCUSSION International President George brought to the Board’s attention the most recent media reports pertaining to the substantial allegations of organized crime involvement in the affairs of Local 1181 (New York, NY) prior to the trusteeship of that subordinate body which was initially imposed in late 2006, as well as newspaper accounts of financial improprieties by the former financial secretary of Local 1593 (Tampa, FL). Several members of the Board commented on the adverse impacts of the Local 1181 saga in organizing campaigns, particularly as promoted by the New York-based labor organization known as the United Service Workers. A discussion ensued about that entity’s activities and the need to counter its interjections into ATU organizing efforts and raiding of established ATU bargaining units. The Board also discussed the perceived increased frequency of financial wrongdoing at local unions and explored potential means of uncovering and preventing abuses of the membership’s trust, including suggestions that the period audit report required of locals be updated to require disclosure of greater information relative to financial liabilities and details about lost time payments.
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REQUESTS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE LOCAL 174 (FALL RIVER, MA) Eva Marie Silva, financial secretary of Local 174, requested financial assistance in the amount of $7,016.41 for an arbitration bill from the Labor Bureau which the local union incurred during a contract dispute with the Union Street Bus Company that also involved Local 1037 (New Bedford, MA). Following careful review and consideration of the facts, the General Executive Board voted to grant Local 174 financial assistance in the amount of $2,000. LOCAL 1037 (NEW BEDFORD, MA) Linda L. Pierce, financial secretary of Local 1037, requested financial assistance in the amount of $7,016.41 for an arbitration bill from the Labor Bureau which the local union incurred during a contract dispute with the Union Street Bus Company that also involved Local 174 (Fall River, MA). Following careful review and consideration of the facts, the General Executive Board voted to grant Local 1037 financial assistance in the amount of $2,000. LOCAL 757 (PORTLAND, OR) Jonathan J. Hunt, president/business agent of Local 757, requested financial assistance due to the incurred expenses by the local union relative to the AMR decertification by NEMSA which amounted to approximately $13,801.76. Upon discussion regarding the nature of the expenses incurred by the local union, the General Executive Board denied the request for financial assistance as submitted on the basis that, subject to final determination by the executive officers, the expenses should be eligible for reimbursement under Section 19.1 of the Constitution and General Laws. LOCAL 812 (CLARKSBURG, WV) Jerry Reel, president/business agent of Local 812, requested financial assistance in the form of a one-year per capita tax waiver to offset financial hardships incurred by the local union, including noteworthy payments of lost time to officers for attendance at meetings and training seminars. Following careful review and consideration of the facts, the General Executive Board voted to grant Local 812 a waiver of its per capita tax obligations for six (6) months and to otherwise extend the local union financial assistance in the amount of $1,000. LOCAL 1119 (WILKES-BARRE, PA) Darrell Ramos, president/business agent of Local 1119, requested financial assistance in light of legal expenses incurred in connection with the pursuit unfair labor practice charges initially filed with the National Labor Relations Board in February of 2002, challenging the unilateral implementation of a safety policy by the Frank Martz Coach Company, Inc. A decision was not rendered in the case until April 2004, by which time the local union was faced with an outstanding legal bill of $13,362.70.
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Following careful review and consideration of the facts, the General Executive Board voted to authorize a payment of $7,000 on behalf of Local 1119 to Marenze & Katz, PC, the law firm of the local’s attorney, Bernard Katz. LOCAL 1356 (SIOUX FALLS, SD) Terri Dunkelberger, financial secretary of Local 1356, requested financial assistance in response to legal fees incurred by the local union during negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement with Laidlaw Transit. Following careful review and consideration, the General Executive Board voted to authorize the executive officers to further investigate the circumstances presented and to afford to Local 1356 such financial assistance as they might determine, in the exercise of their discretion and judgement, to be appropriate. LOCAL 1722 (KELOWNA, BC) Brent Kotelmach, financial secretary of Local 1722, requested financial assistance due to expenses incurred during prolonged contract negotiations with Farwest Transit Services. The General Executive Board, after careful review and consideration of the facts, voted to deny Local 1722’s request. REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT ORGANIZING CAMPAIGNS During this report period, we were involved in 35 campaigns and out of those we won eight (accounting for a cumulative total of approximately 375 new members) and lost five; two were withdrawn for various reasons and 20 were pending at the close of this period: Won:
- Bend Public Transit System MV Transportation, Inc.
- Regional Transportation Program (RTP) (West Palm Beach, FL)
- Battle’s Transportation (Metro Access)
- Canby Area Transit (CAT)
- WHEELS City of North Bonneville, OR
- Laidlaw Transit, Inc. (Allentown, PA)
- Veolia Transportation, Inc. (Charleston, SC)
RAIDS Local 1179 (New York, NY) In February of 2007, TWU Local 106 filed a petition to represent all the supervisory workers at MTA Bus, including the group of 51 supervisors represented by Local 1179. On June 16, 2007, the ATU filed an Article XX with the AFL-CIO against the TWU. At the close of this reporting period, this matter was still pending. STRIKES Local 1374 (Calgary, AB) On Friday, May 18, 2007, the members of Local 1374 employed by the Greyhound Canada Transportation Corporation (Western) went on strike at 12:01 a.m. after rejecting the company’s final offer. This group includes approximately 1,050 bus operators, mechanics, clerical workers and owner operator couriers.
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On Friday, May 25, 2007, the striking members ratified a two-year tentative agreement by a vote of 451 to 433, thus ending the one-week strike. Local 1560 (New Orleans, LA) On Friday, May 4, 2007, the members of Local 1560 employed by Transit Management of Southeast Louisiana shut down the bus operations of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority by initiating a one-day sick out after rejecting management’s final offer. On Saturday, May 5, 2007, after the company announced they will pay the negotiated wage rate, all operators returned to work. EXPENSES Approximately $448,313.09 was spent during this report period on organizing, as well as other costs such as materials, mailing lists, and full-time international representatives’ salaries and expenses for those who assisted in these organizing campaigns. Local union officers and members assigned to assist with these drives were reimbursed by the International for their wages and expenses incurred. DUAL UNIONISM CHARGES AGAINST THREE MEMBERS OF LOCAL 1179 (NEW YORK, NY) REVIEWED International President George reviewed a set of charges filed with the General Executive Board through correspondence of August 27, 2007, by Local 1179 President/Business Agent John Longo against Local 1179 members alleging that each affirmatively engaged in the promotion and support of TWU Local 106 with the purpose and intent of supplanting the ATU as the recognized collective bargaining agent for certain supervisory employees of the MTA Bus Company. International President George summarized the chronology of events. It was further noted that under Section 22.2, such charges are in the first instance properly filed exclusively with the Board and processed as provided under Sections 12.4 and 12.5 of the Constitution rather than by the interested local union. International President George concluded by advising of his intent that the Board formally act upon the submitted charges upon reconvening on Tuesday, September 12, 2007. The meeting thereupon adjourned at 4:05 p.m.
SECOND SESSION The meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 12, 2007. General Executive Board Members present were Tommy Mullins, Joseph Welch, Rodney Richmond, Donald Hansen, Robert Baker, Larry Kinnear, Randy Graham, Javier Perez, Jr., Richard Murphy, Bob Hykaway, Charles Cook, William McLean, Ronald Heintzman, Janis Borchardt, Paul Bowen, Larry Hanley, Kenneth Kirk, and Gary Rauen. International President Warren George presided. Also present were International Executive Vice President Michael Siano, International Secretary-Treasurer Oscar Owens, Chief of Staff Benetta Mansfield, General Counsel Leo Wetzel, and Executive Assistant to the International President Beth Petrusic. Canadian Council Director Robin West attended as a guest. INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S REPORT ADOPTED The report of the International President for the six-month period ending June 30, 2007, was approved with a correction to page 7 of the printed report to properly identify the charter city of Local 1235 as Nashville, Tennessee. DISCUSSION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS International President George and International Secretary-Treasurer Owens responded to a number of inquiries from several members of the Board who sought to clarify and better understand elements of the financial
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statements of the ATU for the year ended June 30, 2007, as prepared by the independent auditors, Calibre CPA Group PLLC. REPORT ON LOCAL 1181 TRUSTEESHIP International Vice President Tommy Mullins provided a comprehensive report of the Local 1181 (New York, NY) stewardship. He advised members of the Board that a forensic audit of the local union’s financial records, which included a review of each individual bank draft drawn on the union’s checking account and the supporting documentation for such, had disclosed no improprieties or anything that the auditor, Jerry Levy of Investigative Services, would characterize as “disturbing.” International Vice President Mullins further indicated that he and co-trustee International Vice President Robert Baker had implemented all of the auditor’s recommendations for changes in record keeping. Members of the Board were informed that the local is current in the processing of all grievances, is proving successful in more than 70% of its arbitrations, and had recently prevailed in two significant arbitrations, one involving the protections afforded to those who move from one service contractor of the New York Department of Education to another and the second affording retirees a reduced premium for COBRA coverage from the local’s Welfare Fund. The Board was also briefed on the status of the local’s welfare and pension funds. International Vice President Mullins reported that the Pension Fund is actuarially sound to the extent that an increase in the monthly benefit was approved retroactive to March of 2007, while the Welfare Fund has accumulated a four-month reserve available to pay benefits and for the first time in five years had sufficient excess funding to enable a transfer of $500,000 into the investment account. He further explained that Investigative Services, Independent Fiduciary Services, and the actuarial firm known as FACT are in the process of completing investigations of the Welfare and Pension Funds aimed at evaluating their relationships with retained consultants, money managers, investment managers, and vendors. International Vice President Mullins advised that preliminary reports from those firms revealed only one area of concern, specifically indications that the Welfare Fund incurred excessive costs for the third party administration of hospital and prescription drug payments. The General Executive Board was informed that in response to the initial conclusions of FACT in this regard, the union and employer representatives on the Fund’s board of trustees promptly elected to solicit bids for a new third party administrator. Final reports from each of the investigatory firms [is] slated for submission to a scheduled meeting [of the] Fund board of trustees on October 22, 2007. Following the presentation of International Vice President Mullins, members of the Board and the executive officers engaged in discussions regarding issues anticipated to develop as the co-trustees move toward the termination of the stewardship and restoration of Local 1181’s autonomy. ISSUANCE OF FORMAL COMPLAINT AGAINST THREE MEMBERS OF LOCAL 1179 (NEW YORK, NY) BASED UPON SECTION 22.2 CHARGES AUTHORIZED At the urging of the local’s president/business agent and based upon charges he filed on behalf of the local union, the Board unanimously voted to authorize the issuance of a complaint charging Local 1179 members with engaging in dual unionism activities in violation of Section 22 of the Constitution and General Laws. ETHICAL PRACTICES CODE ADOPTED Upon presentation of a draft ethical practices code prepared by the Ethics Committee, a panel chaired by International Vice President Tommy Mullins and otherwise consisting of International Vice Presidents Ronald Heintzman and Janis Borchardt, members of the Board discussed the suggested provisions at length. A series of amendments moved by International Vice President Richard Murphy were debated. Each was individually defeated. Upon a roll call vote which showed 13 in favor and 5 opposed, the Board approved and adopted the code as follows:
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Ethical Practices Code for ATU International Officers and Staff 1.
This Code applies to the International President, International Executive Vice President, International Secretary Treasurer, International Vice Presidents, International Representatives and staff of the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).
2.
Every ATU officer and staff member of the ATU, whether elected or appointed, has a high fiduciary duty and sacred trust to serve the best interests of the members honestly and faithfully. The ATU shall maintain adequate safeguards for the prevention of corruption, discrimination, anti-democratic procedures, and the association of any officer or staff member of the ATU with organized crime figures or anyone that would bring disrepute to the union.
3. Financial Practices. No ATU officer or staff member should own or have a personal financial interest which conflicts with the full performance of his or her duties. In particular: (a) No ATU officer or staff member shall have any substantial financial interest in any firm which bargains collectively with the ATU or any chartered local union of the ATU. (b) No ATU officer or staff member shall own or have a substantial financial interest in any firm which does business or seeks to do business with the ATU or any chartered local union of the ATU. (c)
For the purposes of these rules a “substantial interest” is one which either contributes significantly to an individual’s financial well-being or which enables the individual to affect or influence the course of corporate decision making. A substantial interest does not include stock in a purchase plan, profit sharing plan or ESOP.
(d) An ATU officer or staff member shall not be deemed in violation of these prohibitions with respect to investments which are held in a mutual fund or a blind trust. (e) 4.
No ATU officer or staff member shall accept any personal payment or gift, lavish entertainment, with a value greater than $250, other than regular pay and benefits for work performed, from an employer that bargains collectively with the ATU or with any ATU local union or joint bargaining council, or from a business or professional enterprise which does business or seeks to do business with the ATU or any local union of the ATU. Nor shall any ATU officer or staff member accept personal profit or special advantage from a business with which the ATU or any ATU local or joint bargaining council bargains collectively.
No ATU officer or staff member shall provide any personal payment or gift, discount or lavish entertainment, with a value greater than $250, to an employer that bargains collectively with the ATU or with any ATU local union or joint bargaining council, to an ATU local union, joint bargaining council, retiree chapter, or legislative conference board, or to a business or professional enterprise which does business or seeks to do business with the ATU or any ATU local union of the or joint bargaining council, or to an employee of such a business or professional enterprise other than an immediate family member of the ATU officer of staff.
5. The International Union shall not permit any of its funds to be invested in manner which results in the personal profit or advantage of any ATU officer or staff member. 6. The International Union shall not make loans to its officers, representatives, employees, or members, or members of their families. 7.
No ATU officer or staff member shall receive compensation of any kind from a fund established for the provision of retirement, health or welfare benefits for service as an employee representative or labor-designated trustee on such employee benefit fund or plan, except for reasonable reimbursement of expenses provided uniformly to such representatives or trustees. A benefit “fund” or “plan” for the purposes of this provision means a fund or plan sponsored by the ATU or an affiliated local union of the ATU, or in which the ATU or an affiliated local union of the ATU participates.
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8. No ATU officer or staff member shall sell, donate or otherwise provide award air miles or any other travel awards (e.g. hotel, car rental, etc.) to any officer or member of the ATU or any family member of such an officer or member, or to any ATU local union or joint bargaining council, retiree chapter, or legislative conference board. Under exceptional circumstances, and with prior approval of the International President, such awards may be donated to an ATU related cause (for example, a member’s sick child) or ATU related charity. ATU officers or staff members are permitted to donate or otherwise provide award air miles or other travel awards to friends who are not members of the ATU and to family members. Under no circumstances, shall an ATU officer or staff member sell such awards earned as a result of ATU travel. 9. No ATU officer or staff member may engage in the following prohibited conduct: (a) knowingly associate with any member or associate of any criminal group; (b) knowingly permit any member or associate of any criminal group to exercise any control or influence, directly or indirectly, in any way or degree, in the affairs of the ATU or its affiliated local unions. 10. As used in Paragraph 9 above, the term “knowingly associate” shall mean that: (a) the party knows or should know that the person with whom he or she is associating is a member or associate of any criminal group; and (b) the association is more than fleeting. 11. ATU officers and staff members have an obligation to immediately report their knowledge or suspicion of the activities set forth in Paragraph 9 to the International President. 12. ATU officers and staff members shall comply with the provisions set forth in the “ATU Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy and Procedure” appended to this Code, except that complaints about the officers or International Representatives will be referred to the Ethics Committee rather than the process outlined in Section B of the appended procedure. 13. This Code shall be enforced by the following process: (a)
The current Ethics Committee of three International Vice Presidents shall be the standing Ethics Committee for a period of three years, at which time the International President shall appoint three other members of the General Executive Board (G.E.B.) for a three-year term.
(b)
Any ATU officer or staff member may seek an opinion letter as to whether anticipated conduct may violate this Code. Any request for such an opinion shall be made in writing and be forwarded with a complete description of the anticipated action to the International President, who shall promptly refer it to the Ethics Committee. The Committee will send a written response to the request within 30 days from the Committee’s receipt of the request.
(c)
Charges of violations by those covered by this Code may be filed only by a member in good standing or staff member of the ATU and must be accompanied by substantiating documentation. The charges should be referred directly to the Committee Chair, who will refer it to the full Ethics Committee for review and recommended disposition.
(d)
The Ethics Committee shall have the authority to investigate and, where the Ethics Committee finds reasonable cause to believe that a violation of the Code has occurred, it shall refer the matter to the International President. In the case of an ATU staff member, the International President shall decide the appropriate action to take. In the case of an ATU officer, the International President shall impanel a three-member hearing panel of G.E.B. members to conduct a hearing, if the matter is not otherwise resolved. That panel shall not include any members of the Ethics Committee, the accused or the charging party (if such are members of the G.E.B.).
(e) The three-member panel will meet and conduct a hearing with the assistance of a member of the ATU Legal Department. Within 30 days of any hearing on the matter, the three-member panel will refer written Findings and Recommendations to the full G.E.B. Where a violation is found, the recommendations shall include an appropriate disposition up to an including removal from service or employment.
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(f ) All charges and investigations shall be kept confidential unless and until the Ethics Committee finds reasonable cause to bring the matter to a hearing. (g) Fundamental due process shall be afforded to the individual charged in connection with any such hearing. (h) The G.E.B. shall permit the individual charged a reasonable opportunity, upon request, to present his or her position to the G.E.B. prior to rendering a final decision, which shall be subject to appeal to the ATU Convention within 90 days after the G.E.B. has decided the case. The decision of the G.E.B. shall be placed into effect immediately upon receipt of the ruling by the G.E.B. notwithstanding any pending appeal to the Convention. (I) There shall be no retaliation against any ATU officer or staff member, or member for filing a charge alleging a violation of this Code. REPORT OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL Several legal developments in the six-month period which ended on June 30, 2007, were highlighted and discussed at some length. Members of the General Executive Board were advised that the union witnessed a flurry of rather disturbing developments relative to Section 13(c) employee protections, issues of interest dispute resolution and a blurring of the distinction between public and private sector employee bargaining. In light of the parties’ negotiated settlement of a new labor contract, we had asked the state court dismiss the previously reported lawsuit filed by the City and its current management contractor seeking to enjoin interest arbitration as requested by Local 1164 (Knoxville, TN). More recently, however, the public body and the employer have instead pressed for the case to go forward, in part because the U.S. Department of Labor has declined to act on their claim because interest arbitration is unconstitutional under state law for public sector workers it should be unlawful for the private sector workers on the Knoxville system financed by the City. It was reported that we are confronted with a similar claim against Local 1356 (Sioux Falls, SD), where initial indications that the system’s private sector management company would arbitrate new contract terms, the employer reversed course entirely. The Board was advised that a state court judge heard more than hour of oral arguments on the company’s claim that it cannot properly be bound to the interest arbitration clause in the Section 13(c) Agreement executed by the City of Sioux Falls and its original system manager because the third-party determination of labor contract terms for public sector workers by a politically-unaccountable individual contravenes the South Dakota constitution. In Colorado Springs, we are faced with the same contention, as well as quite a bit more. The Board was reminded that when Professional Transit Management refused to interest arbitrate with Local 19 (Colorado Springs, CO) in 2006, in part based on a claim such was unconstitutional for public employees, we sued to enforce our a rights under the Section 13(c) Agreement applied to the City’s federal funding but lost our state court suit because it developed that the public body’s service contract with the private management company provided that PTM would not be bound by any other pre-existing agreements. We then proceeded against the City itself but in this reporting period a second state court dismissed our litigation to compel arbitration of a Section 13(c) claim against the public body, finding that the negotiated protections failed to name the City as a potential party to arbitration. The judge, further, refused to hear our alternative suit alleging a breach of contract, holding that our allegation of monetary damages based on what would have happened if the City had required PTM to accept the Section 13(c) Agreement and its interest arbitration clause was too “speculative.” The Board was informed that while the Legal Department is appealing the latest adverse Colorado court decision, the City has gone on offensive and has sued the U.S. Department of Labor for failing to explain why it refused to order the parties to renegotiate their Section 13(c) Agreement in response to the stated objection of Colorado Springs to the arrangement’s interest arbitration clause. We are looking to intervene in that case because it represents such a serious threat to Section 13(c) program; essentially the City is maintaining that DOL needs to sustain any objection to terms that exceed requirements of the Act.
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On a related note, the Board was also informed that the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority has undertaken a campaign to transfer the workers represented by Local 1091 (Austin, TX) who are currently employed by a private sector management company – that was established specifically to protect the National Labor Relations Act bargaining rights the employees had when the transit system was first acquired with federal funds some decades ago – to direct, public sector, employment with no more that “meet and confer” rights under state law. Other litigation matters reviewed included our efforts on behalf of Local 1182 (St. John, NB), aimed at facilitating transit worker participation in the pension fund of the City of St. John. During these six months, a threejudge panel of the Supreme Court of Canada denied a management application for leave to appeal the favorable decision we previously won at the intermediate court, which confirmed that the provincial Superintendent of Pensions has the lawful authority to decide if those staffing services of the St. John Transit Commission are de facto employees of the City. With the matter finally before the pensions agency for a decision on the merits of our substantive position, we supplemented our original briefs through the filing of an updated statement of views and are now awaiting a final ruling by the Superintendent of Pensions on the merits of our position. The Board was briefed on legislative matters of particular significance, including the status of the U.S. federal transit appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2008 that was passed by the House of Representatives in late July but is unlikely to be finalized until end of the year. Notation was also made of the comprehensive transit and over-the-road bus security funding legislation that was signed into law on August 3, 2007. Finally, members of the General Executive Board were informed the Legal Department had just learned that within a matter of days the U.S. Department of Labor would be publishing for public comment proposed revisions to its regulations governing the Section 13(c) processing of federal transit grants. On the alleged basis that changes were required on light of the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act – A Legacy for Users (“SAFETEA-LU”), which authorized transit funding programs through fiscal year 2009, the Bush Administration is looking to implement a number of alterations obviously tailored to do little more than adversely impact the interests of organized labor. The limited information available about the specific changes to be proposed was summarized. REVIEW OF CONVENTION MATTERS International President George appraised the General Executive Board of the most current schedule of guest speakers slated to appear before the delegates to the 55th Convention. He also identified the delegates whom he intended to name to chair or act as the secretary of each Convention committee and otherwise advised the International Vice Presidents of the panel each would be assigned to assist. The meeting adjourned at 2:35 p.m.
THIRD SESSION The meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 14, 2007. General Executive Board Members presentwere Tommy Mullins, Joseph Welch, Rodney Richmond, Donald Hansen, Robert Baker, Larry Kinnear, Randy Graham, Javier Perez, Jr., Richard Murphy, Bob Hykaway, Charles Cook, William McLean, Ronald Heintzman, Janis Borchardt, Paul Bowen, Larry Hanley, Kenneth Kirk, and Gary Rauen. International President Warren George presided. Also present were International Executive Vice President Michael Siano, International Secretary-Treasurer Oscar Owens, Chief of Staff Benetta Mansfield, General Counsel Leo Wetzel, and Executive Assistant to the International President Beth Petrusic. International Representatives in attendance were Gary Maurer, Ray Rivera, Marcellus Barnes, and Yvette Salazar. Canadian Council Director Robin West was also present. Attending as invited guests of the Board were Retired International President James La Sala, Retired International Executive Vice President Ellis B. Franklin, Retired International Vice Presidents Charles Pettus, Karen Simmons, Stuart Snowdon, Wilford Spears, and Robert Saarinen, and Retired Canadian Director Ken Foster.
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INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER’S REPORT ADOPTED The report of the International Secretary-Treasurer for the six-month period ending June 30, 2007, was approved as printed. AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT ADOPTED The previously appointed Chair of the Audit Committee, International Vice President Perez, reviewed at some length the activities of the panel in its study of the financial records made available to it. The formal report of the Audit Committee for the six-month period ended June 30, 2007, was thereupon approved as written. CHANGE IN VISION BENEFITS FOR OFFICERS AND STAFF AUTHORIZED Upon a duly seconded motion of International Vice President Cook, the Board authorized the executive officers to review the experience of those covered by the current vision plan benefit afforded to officers, staff and their beneficiaries through VSP, to investigate the feasibility of equivalent coverage through alternative insurance carriers, and, to change carriers or otherwise selfinsure vision benefits if they should, in the exercise of their discretion and best judgment, determine such to be advisable and appropriate. REVIEW OF PROPOSED LAWS CHANGES At the request of International President George, the general counsel summarized each of the proposed changes to the Constitution and General Laws which the International President would be recommending for adoption by the delegates to the 55th Convention to be conducted September 17 - 21, 2007, as well as those urged in local union-approved resolutions submitted for Convention’s consideration in accordance with Section 6.16 of the Constitution. REPORT ON LOCAL 639 (LEXINGTON, KY) TRUSTEESHIP International Representative Marcellus Barnes provided an extensive report on the temporary trusteeship of Local 639 (Lexington, KY) that was imposed on July 9, 2007. It was noted that the findings and recommendations of the hearing officer who heard testimony relative to the trusteeship in early August were expected to issue within a matter of days and that the Board would then be called upon to determine if the trusteeship should continue. REVIEW OF 55TH CONVENTION PROGRAM International President George reviewed with the Board members the schedule of activities for the week of the 55th Convention. The meeting thereupon adjourned at 2:45 p.m.
FOURTH SESSION The meeting convened at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, September 21, 2007, following the adjournment of the 55th Convention. General Executive Board Members present were Tommy Mullins, Joseph Welch, Rodney Richmond, Donald Hansen, Robert Baker, Larry Kinnear, Randy Graham, Javier Perez, Jr., Richard Murphy, Bob Hykaway, Charles Cook, William McLean, Ronald Heintzman, Janis Borchardt, Paul Bowen, Larry Hanley, Kenneth Kirk, and Gary Rauen. International President Warren George presided. Also present were International Executive Vice President Michael Siano, International SecretaryTreasurer Oscar Owens, Chief of Staff Benetta Mansfield, and General Counsel Leo Wetzel. International Representatives Ray Rivera, Marcellus Barnes, and Yvette Salazar attended as guests, as did Canadian Council Director Robin West.
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HEARING OFFICER’S REPORT ON THE TRUSTEESHIP OF LOCAL 639 (LEXINGTON, KY) ADOPTED
4. TERMINATION OF PREVIOUSLY IMPOSED TRUSTEESHIP OF LOCAL 1235 (NASHVILLE, TN)
The Findings and Determinations of the Hearing Officer in the matter of the trusteeship of Local 639 (Lexington, KY) were put before the General Executive Board pursuant to Section 12.6 of the Constitution and General Laws. Upon a motion duly made and seconded, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the Hearing Officer’s Report, to ratify the temporary stewardship, and to continue the trusteeship of the local union.
…on January 29, 2007, the General Executive Board voted to terminate the trusteeship of Local 1235 effective March 1, 2007. 5. STRIKE SANCTION GRANTED TO MEMBERS OF LOCAL 757 (PORTLAND, OR) EMPLOYED BY CORVALLIS-LAIDLAW EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, INC.
MOTION PERTAINING TO NEW ORGANIZING FUND ADOPTED The Board adopted a duly seconded motion offered by International Vice President Murphy specifying that the per capita tax funding that is to be dedicated to organizing and other membership activism activities under Section 18.1 of the Constitution and General Laws as amended by the 55th Convention be maintained in a distinct Fund.
…on February 1, 2007, strike sanction was granted at the request of International Vice President Ronald Heintzman to the members of Local 757 employed by Corvallis-Laidlaw Educational Services, Inc. 6. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 1324 (SAVANNAH, GA) TO ENTER INTEREST ARBITRATION …on February 1, 2007, Local 1324 was authorized to enter interest arbitration with the Chatham Area Transit Authority.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
7. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 398 (BOISE, ID) TO ENTER INTO FACT-FINDING
The remainder of the session was devoted to general discussion among members of the Board the executive offices regarding a variety of issues pending before the union.
…on February 1, 2007, Local 398 was authorized to enter fact-finding with Valley Regional Transit.
The meeting adjourned sine die at 12:15 p.m.
8. ADOPTION OF HEARING OFFICER’S REPORT ON THE TRUSTEESHIP OF LOCAL 1181 (NEW YORK, NY) …on February 2, 2007, the General Executive Board adopted the Hearing Officer’s Report as its Findings and Determinations ratifying and continuing the trusteeship of Local 1181.
Oscar Owens Secretary
9. STRIKE SANCTION GRANTED TO MEMBERS OF LOCAL 757 (PORTLAND, OR) EMPLOYED BY AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE …on February 13, 2007, strike sanction was granted at the request of International Vice President Ronald Heintzman to the members of Local 757 employed by American Medical Response.
INTERIM ACTIONS AND RULINGS BY THE GENERAL EXECUTIVE BOARD FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 1, 2007, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2007 1. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 1005 (MINNEAPOLIS/ ST. PAUL, MN) TO ESTABLISH A LOWER DUES STRUCTURE
10. AUTHORIZATION FOR INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT TO PLACE LOCAL 757 (PORTLAND, OR) IN TEMPORARY TRUSTEESHIP …on February 15, 2007, the General Executive Board authorized International President George to place Local 757 in temporary trusteeship, effective immediately. 11. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 1729 (PITTSBURGH, PA) TO ENTER FOUR-YEAR AGREEMENT
… on January 9, 2007, Local 1005 was granted permission to establish a lower dues structure.
…on February 15, 2007, Local 1729 was authorized, through International Vice President Joseph Welch, to enter a four-year agreement with Laidlaw Transit, Inc.
2. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 690 (FITCHBURG, MA) TO ENTER FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT
12. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 1607 (DERBY, CT) TO ENTER FOUR-YEAR AGREEMENT
…on January 12, 2007, Local 690 was authorized, upon the request of International Vice President Richard Murphy, to enter a five-year agreement with Laidlaw Transit, Inc.
…on February 22, 2007, Local 1607 was authorized, upon the request of International Vice President Richard Murphy, to enter a four-year agreement with the Valley Transit District.
3. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 788 (ST. LOUIS, MO) TO ENTER FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT
13. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 1624 (PETERBOROUGH, ON) TO ENTER INTEREST ARBITRATION
…on January 23, 2007, Local 788 was authorized, upon the request of International Vice President Javier Perez, to enter a five-year agreement with Page-Dale.
…on March 20, 2007, Local 1624 was authorized to enter interest arbitration with the Coach Canada.
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14. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 587 (SEATTLE, WA) TO ENTER SIX-YEAR AGREEMENT
24. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 639 (LEXINGTON, KY) TO ENTER FACT-FINDING
…on March 23, 2007, Local 587 was authorized, at the request of International Vice President Ronald Heintzman, to enter a six-year agreement with MV Transportation, Inc.
…on May 8, 2007, Local 639 was authorized to enter interest arbitration with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LexTran).
15. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 757 (PORTLAND, OR) TO ENTER FOUR-YEAR AGREEMENT …on March 30, 2007, Local 757 was authorized, at the request of International Vice President Ronald Heintzman, to enter a four-year agreement with the Rogue Valley Transportation District. 16. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 441 (DES MOINES, IA) TO ENTER FOUR-YEAR AGREEMENT …on April 19, 2007, Local 441 was authorized, at the request of International Representative Marcellus Barnes, to enter a four-year agreement with the Des Moines Regional Transit Authority (DART). 17. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 398 (BOISE, ID) TO ENTER INTEREST ARBITRATION …on April 19, 2007, Local 398 was authorized to enter interest arbitration with Valley Regional Transit. 18. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 1741 (LAFAYETTE, IN) TO ENTER INTEREST ARBITRATION …on April 19, 2007, Local 1741 was authorized to enter interest arbitration with the Greater Lafayette Public Transportation Corporation (CityBus). 19. REQUEST TO RETAIN LOWER DUES STRUCTURE LOCAL 1742 (CHARLESTON, WV) …on April 27, 2007, Local 1742 was granted permission to retain its current dues structure. 20. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 1742 (CHARLESTON, WV) TO ENTER FOUR-YEAR AGREEMENT …on May 8, 2007, Local 1742 was authorized, at the request of International Vice President Richard Murphy, to enter a four-year agreement with the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority. 21. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCALS 281 (NEW HAVEN, CT), 425 (HARTFORD, CT), AND 443 (STAMFORD, CT) TO ENTER 39-MONTH AGREEMENT …on May 8, 2007, Locals 281, 425, and 443 were authorized, at the request of International Vice President Richard Murphy, to enter a 39-month agreement with HNS Management Company, Inc. (First Transit). 22. STRIKE SANCTION GRANTED TO THE MEMBERS OF LOCAL 583, CALGARY, AB) EMPLOYED BY THE CITY OF CALGARY Under authority vested in International President George by action of the General Executive Board and pursuant to Section 20.2 of the ATU Constitution and General Laws, on May 8, 2007, strike sanction was granted at the request of International Vice President Bob Hykaway to the members of Local 583 employed by the City of Calgary (Calgary Transit).
25. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 1603 (BETHLEHEM, PA) TO ESTABLISH A LOWER DUES STRUCTURE …on May 9, 2007, Local 1603 was granted permission to establish a lower dues structure. 26. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 1027 (FRESNO, CA) TO ENTER FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT …on May 11, 2007, Local 1027 was authorized, at the request of International Vice President Charles Cook, to enter a five-year plus agreement with MV Transportation, Inc. 27. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 732 (ATLANTA, GA) TO RETAIN LOWER DUES STRUCTURE …on May 17, 2007, Local 732 was granted permission to retain its current dues structure. 28. REFERRAL OF CHANGES FILED AGAINST LOCAL 1384 (OLYMPIA, WA) EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER …on May 17, 2007, International President George referred to Local 1384 a set of charges which had been filed with the Board against one of the local union’s executive board members with a direction that such be processed in accordance with Section 22 of the Constitution. 29. ANNULMENT OF LOCAL 784 (MERIDIAN, MS) CHARTER …on May 24, 2007, International President George annulled the charter of Local 784 (Meridian, MS) in accordance with Section 12.3 of the Constitution and General Laws upon determining that its failure and effective refusal to transmit per capita tax obligations owed to the International stood as evidence that the subordinate body ceased to function as a working local of the Union. 30. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 1729 (PITTSBURGH, PA) TO RETAIN LOWER DUES STRUCTURE …on June 15, 2007, Local 1729 was granted permission to retain its current dues structure. 31. TERMINATION OF PREVIOUSLY IMPOSED TRUSTEESHIP OF LOCAL 1755 (DENVER, CO) …on June 20, 2007, the General Executive Board voted to terminate the trusteeship of Local 1755 and to contemporaneously merge that subordinate body into Local 1001 (Denver, CO) effective July 1, 2007. 32. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 694 (SAN ANTONIO, TX) TO RETAIN LOWER DUES STRUCTURE …on June 28, 2007, Local 694 was granted permission to retain its current dues structure.
23. AUTHORIZATION FOR LOCAL 998 (MILWAUKEE, WI) TO ENTER INTEREST ARBITRATION …on May 8, 2007, Local998 was authorized to enter interest arbitration with Milwaukee Transport Services, Inc.
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STAY FIT THIS WINTER According to the National Institute of Health, the average American gains about a pound of weight over the winter holiday season – this weight gain over several years can be a major contributing factor to obesity. In addition to tempting holiday meals and treats which lead to overeating and weight gain, the cold weather at this time of year makes it more difficult to exercise. But, as it turns out, the cold weather can actually help with weight loss. Dressing warm and adhering to a regimen of regular outdoor activity while in the cold can actually prove more beneficial than outdoor exercise in the warmer months. While exercising in the cold, the heat that the body generates during a workout dissipates more quickly, keeping you comfortable at higher intensities. Accordingly, the body burns more calories, and you’ll slim down quicker. If the cold weather is just too much to bear, there are plenty of ways to exercise within the cozy confines of the house or in other indoor venues. Here are just a few suggestions:
JUMP ROPE
This can be done almost anywhere since it requires very little space.
WALK UP AND DOWN AN INDOOR SECTION OF STAIRS JOIN A HEALTH CLUB
Often, great deals are available at this time of year.
GO TO AN INDOOR POOL
Many community pools offer lap swimming hours or even water aerobics classes at an affordable price.
WALK AT THE MALL
A quick stroll around the mall a few times will go a long way in eliminating weight gain throughout the winter.
INVEST IN HOME EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
Refurbished equipment can often be found on the cheap. For many people, the winter holidays are a time to take respite from the often tedious exercise routines during the warmer months. Unfortunately, while the mind may need a break, the body cannot afford to take three months off. Staying healthy and active during the winter now will ensure many more enjoyable holidays to come. This is the last in a series of articles on health and fitness issues facing ATU members. For more information on these issues, or to view previous Focus on Wellness articles, go to www.atu.org
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: Whistleblowing Following six years of ATU advocacy, Congress finally enacted the National Transit Systems Security Act (NTSSA), providing comprehensive transit and over-the-road bus security. Included in the law is new retaliation protection for employees of public transportation agencies, their contractors, and subcontractors ensuring the employee’s right to report on safety or security risks, also known as “whistleblowing.” A whistleblower is an employee who, in good faith, discloses information that the employee reasonably believes evidences that the employer committed an illegal act.
THE PROTECTIONS n
The protections for transit employees prohibit an employer from discharging, demoting, suspending, reprimanding, or in any other way discriminating against an employee if based on any of the following acts lawfully done or perceived by the employer to have been done or about to be done by the employee in good faith:
n
Providing information to a supervisor or a federal, state, or local body about any conduct that the employee reasonably believes to be a violation of a federal law, rule or regulations, or information relating fraud or misuse of grant funds;
n
Refusing to violate any federal law, rule or regulations relating to safety or security;
n
Filing a complaint in connection with these protections;
n
Cooperating with an investigation by the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or the National Transit Safety Board (NTSB);
n
Furnishing information to certain enforcement agencies relating to an accident or incident resulting in injury or death;
n
Reporting a hazardous safety or security condition;
n
Refusing to work when confronted with a hazardous safety or security condition that a reasonable person believes would present imminent danger of death or serious injury; and
n
Refusing to authorize the use of safety- or security-related equipment, if the employee is responsible for the inspection and repair of the equipment, when the employee believes the equipment is in hazardous repair.
n
Where possible, employees must notify the public transportation agency of the existence of a hazardous condition and the intention not to perform further work, or not to authorize the use of the hazardous equipment.
FILING A COMPLAINT Employees who believe they have been discharged or discriminated against in violation of the Act may file a complaint with the Secretary of Labor no later than 180 days after the date on which such violation occurs. Further details can be found on the Department of Labor’s website: http://www.osha.gov/dep/oia/whistleblower/acts/ntssa.html
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LEGAL NOTICE
TO: Employees Represented by ATU Locals in U.S. Bargaining Units Who Are Subject to Union Security Arrangements Employees working under collective bargaining agreements which contain a union security clause are required, as a condition of their employment, to pay monthly dues or fees to the union. Regardless of the specific wording used in such a clause, however, formal union membership cannot be, and is not, actually mandated. Those who are members of the ATU pay monthly union dues. Nonmembers, or “agency feepayers,” meet their obligation through the payment of an equivalent “agency fee.” Nonmembers subject to a union security clause also have the additional legal right to file objections to their funding of certain expenditures with which they may disagree. More specifically, in a series of judicial and agency decisions it has been determined that objecting nonmembers may not properly be charged for union activities and expenditures which are “unrelated to collective bargaining, contract administration, or grievance adjustment” and/or are otherwise “nongermane to the collective bargaining process.” When considering these matters, individuals should remember that the union security clause included in their labor contract was negotiated and ratified by their fellow employees based upon the principle that everyone who benefits from the collective bargaining process should share in its costs. Simply stated, the well-being of all bargaining unit employees is improved immeasurably when the union obtains higher wages, better health care and retirement benefits, fairness in the discipline system, and the many other improvements realized in contract negotiations. But it would be difficult to provide such effective representation at the bargaining table without the influence earned through the “nongermane” political and ideological activities of the trade union movement. If the ATU and other labor organizations did not express the workers’ views on the important issues facing our nation and communities, one can only imagine how much more damage might be done to the rights and interests of American working men and women by anti-Labor forces in Washington, DC, and in statehouses across the country. Any individual thinking of electing objector status also needs to keep in mind the considerable benefits of union membership that must first be surrendered. As a nonmember, a fee objector relinquishes many valuable privileges, including the right to attend and participate in union meetings; the right to run in local union elections and to otherwise nominate and vote for any candidates for union office; the right to participate in The following ATU Statement of Law and Procedures concerning union security objections applies only to the International per capita tax charged to objectors as part of local union fees (unless this Notice and Statement has been adopted by the local union for application to the local union’s total fees). 1. Any ATU-represented nonmember employee, whether publicly or privately employed, who is subject to a union security clause conditioning continued employment on the payment of dues or fees has the right to become an objector to expenditures not related to collective bargaining, contract administration, grievance adjustment, or other chargeable expenditures. A current ATU member who chooses not to tender the full periodic (monthly) dues and assesments uniformly required for the acquisition or retention of full membership in the union, but who instead opts to become an objector, must assume nonmember status prior to filing an objection through these procedures. An objector shall pay reduced fees calculated in accordance with Section 5. 2. To become an objector,1 an ATU-represented nonmember employee shall notify the International Secretary-Treasurer in writing of the objection transmitted during the month of January each year or within thirty (30) days after assuming nonmember status. Employees who were not subject to an ATU union security clause as of January in any given year must forward an objection within thirty (30) days after becoming subject to union security obligations and receiving notice of these procedures or within thirty (30) days after assuming nonmember status. The objection shall be signed and shall specify the objector’s current home mailing address, name the objector’s employer with which the applicable union security arrangements have been entered into, and identify the ATU local union number, if known. All objections should be mailed to the International Secretary-Treasurer, 5025 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20016-4139 or transmitted by facsimile to 202-244-7824 with a separate cover page directing such to the attention of the International Secretary-Treasurer and specifying the subject thereof to be the “Election of Fee Objector Status.” A person who wishes to continue an objection in a subsequent twelve (12) month period shall so provide notice of objection each January. 3. The following categories of expenditure are chargeable to the extent permitted by law: a. All expenses concerning the negotiation of agreements, practices and working conditions; b. All expenses concerning the administration of agreements, practices and working conditions, including grievance handling, all activities related to arbitration, and discussion with employees in the bargaining unit or employer representatives regarding working conditions, benefits and contract rights; c. Convention expenses and other normal union internal governance and management expenses; d. Social activities and union business meeting expenses; e. Publication expenses to the extent coverage is related to otherwise chargeable activities; f. Expenses of litigation before the courts and administrative agencies related to contract administration, collective bargaining rights and internal governance; g. Expenses for legislative, executive branch and administrative agency representation on legislative and regulatory matters closely related to contract ratification or the implementation of contracts; h. All expenses for the education and training of members, officers, and staff intended to prepare the participants to better perform chargeable activities;
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the formation of ATU bargaining demands; the right to vote on contract ratification questions; and the right to enjoy the many benefits of the Union Privilege Benefits Program, which offers low-interest credit cards, legal and travel services, prescription drug cards, and life insurance. The Notice of Statement of Law and Procedures which appears below sets forth the specific means by which an individual who decides to become a nonmember agency feepayer notwithstanding the above considerations may lodge and perfect a request for a reduction in the amount of his or her monthly International per capita fee obligation. (This notice applies only to the International Union expenditures and to the per capita tax portion of local union dues except where – as is typically the case – the local union has, by voluntary and affirmative action, adopted this Notice and Statement for application to the local union’s total fees in order to comply with the dictates of the applicable law in this area.) First implemented two decades ago, this detailed process has been carefully tailored to satisfy the objectors’ rights to not financially support “nongermane” activities while still requiring them to share in the full costs of union representation. As noted, these procedures have been effectively imposed upon us. It remains our opinion that all of our organizing and all the legislative, litigation, and similar activities undertaken by the ATU – some of which tribunals have indicated may in part be ideological and, therefore, nonchargeable – are essential to improving the working conditions of all the employees we represent. Still, as a democratic and law-abiding union, we acknowledge and stand fully prepared to honor an individual’s freedom to choose not to participate as a full member of the ATU and to not support these essential union endeavors. The rights are, of course, yours. But for only pennies more per day, you can enjoy the many advantages of union membership in the ATU.
Warren S. George International President
i. All strike fund expenditures and costs of group cohesion and economic action, e.g., general strike activity, informational picketing, etc.; j. All funeral or dismemberment benefits; and k. A proportional share of all overhead and administrative expenses. 4. Each December, the International Union shall publish these policies and procedures in the In Transit to provide to ATU-represented employees notice of their right to object and of the procedures for objecting. The International shall also send a copy of these policies and procedures to each person who objected the previous year to inform the person of his or her right to renew the objection for the current year. 5. The International retains an independent auditor who submits an annual report for the purpose of verifying the percentage of expenditures that fall within the categories specified in Section 3. Similarly, if the local union has adopted these procedures for application to its total fees, the local union arranges for the audit of the records, enabling the local union to verify annually the percentage of its total expenditures other than the International per capita tax that is chargeable to objectors. The amount of the International and local union expenditures falling within Section 3 made during that fiscal year which ended in the previous calendar year shall be the basis for calculating the reduced fees that must be paid by the objector for the current calendar year.2 For each objector, an amount equal to the reduced fees paid by the objector shall be placed in an interestbearing escrow account. 6. The report(s) of the independent auditor(s) shall be completed prior to the publication of these policies and procedures in December. The report(s) shall include verification of the major categories of union expenses attributable to chargeable and nonchargeable activities. Local unions which adopt these procedures shall provide a copy of their independent auditor’s report to each nonmember employee represented by the local union. 7. In the absence of an exclusive statutory review procedure,3 each objector may challenge the legal and arithmetical bases of the calculations contained in the independent auditor report(s) by filing an appeal with the International Secretary-Treasurer. Nonmember objectors in bargaining units covered by the National Labor Relations Act shall also have the right to seek a determination of any issues relating to these procedures by invoking the jurisdiction of the National Labor Relations Board. If such an objector chooses not to invoke the Board’s jurisdiction, or if the Board defers to these appeal procedures, the nonmember objector’s appeal shall be filed exclusively with the International Secretary-Treasurer. Any such appeal must be made by sending a signed letter to the International Secretary-Treasurer postmarked or transmitted via facsimile no later than thirty (30) days after the International Secretary-Treasurer has forwarded a letter to the objector acknowledging receipt of the objection or the date the National Labor Relations Board affirmatively declines to assert its reviewing jurisdiction, whichever is later. 8. Except where state law provides an exclusive statutory review procedure as discussed in Note 3 below or when an objector proceeds before the National Labor Relations Board as set forth in Section 7, all such appeals received by the union within the time limits specified above shall be determined by expeditious referral to an impartial arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its rules for impartial determination of union fees and these procedures. The International Union will notify the AAA that challenges of its fees, which have been received from one or more individual employees, are to be determined by an impartial arbitrator and will include the names and addresses of the individuals who have filed the appeals challenging the union’s fees and
who should be notified of the proceedings. a. All appeals filed within any given forty-five (45) day period shall be consolidated. Appeals shall be heard as soon as the AAA can schedule the arbitration and shall be at a location selected by the AAA to be the most convenient for those involved in the proceeding. b. Each party to the arbitration shall bear its own costs. The challengers shall have the option of paying a pro-rata portion of the arbitrator’s fees and expenses. The union shall pay the balance of such fees and expenses. c. Challengers may, at their expense, be represented by counsel or other representative of choice. Challengers need not appear at the hearing and shall be permitted to instead file written statements with the arbitrator no later than the beginning of the arbitration hearing. Post-hearing statements may be filed in accordance with the provisions of Section 8(g). d. Fourteen (14) days prior to the start of the arbitration, challengers shall be provided with copies of all exhibits or a list of all such exhibits intended to be introduced at the arbitration by the union and a list of all witnesses the union intends to call, except for exhibits and witnesses the union may introduce for rebuttal. Where a list of exhibits has been provided, challengers shall have a right to receive copies of such exhibits by making a written request for them to the International Secretary-Treasurer. Additionally, copies of all exhibits shall be available for inspection and copying at the hearing. e. A court reporter shall make a transcript of all proceedings before the arbitrator. This transcript shall be the only official record of the proceedings and may be purchased by the challengers. If challengers do not purchase a copy of the transcript, a copy shall be available for inspection by challengers at the International headquarters during normal business hours. f. The arbitrator shall have control over all procedural matters affecting the arbitration in order to fulfill the dual needs of an informed and an expeditious arbitration. The arbitrator shall set forth in the decision the legal and arithmetic bases for the decision, giving full consideration to the legal requirements limiting the amount objectors may be charged. g. The parties to the arbitration shall have the right to file a post-hearing statement within fifteen (15) days after both parties have completed submission of their cases at the hearing. Such statements may not introduce new evidence nor discuss evidence not introduced in the arbitration. The arbitrator shall issue a decision within forty-five (45) days after the final date for submission of post-hearing statements or within such other reasonable period as is consistent with the applicable AAA rules and the requirements of law. h. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final and binding on all findings of fact supported by substantial evidence on the record considered as a whole and on other findings legally permitted to be binding on all parties. i. Upon receipt of the arbitrator’s award, any adjustment in favor of the challenger will be made from the escrow account. 9. Under Section 18.1 of the ATU Constitution and General Laws, each local union will be responsible for collecting and transmitting to the International Union each month from those who have made an objection the amount of the per capita tax certified as due under these procedures. In addition, each local will be responsible for developing a system covering local union fees that will meet the legal requirements relative to the objectors in the local. If the local union affirmatively opts to adopt the International procedures concerning fee objections on a integrated basis,
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no multiple notice (other than providing its independent auditor’s report to nonmember employees represented by the local union), objection, challenge or appeal procedures will be necessary. If, however, the local union adopts an independent system covering local union expenditures other than per capita tax, such arrangements must, by law, be included in the local’s procedures. The local’s procedures must, further, at a minimum: (1) establish record-keeping methods sufficient to permit an accurate calculation of the percentage of the local’s total expenditures that are chargeable to objectors; (2) provide for an independent audit which will enable the local union to verify annually the chargeable portion of the local’s total expenditures, the amount of the reduced fees payable by objectors, and the appropriate escrow amount; and (3) provide objectors a single, expeditious review of the calculation of the chargeable expenditures before a neutral person not selected by the local. Under either an integrated or independent local system governing local union fees, each local union is responsible for collecting only those fees as may be certified as properly due to the local union. 10. The provisions of this procedure shall be considered legally separable. Should any provision or portion hereof be held contrary to law by a court, administrative agency or arbitrator, the remaining provisions or portions thereof shall continue to be legally effective and binding. If, after consultation with each other, the International President or the local union business agent determines that modifications in this procedure are necessary to maintain compliance with applicable law, such modifications may be made in accordance with the Constitution and General Laws of the International Union or the bylaws of the local union, as applicable.
Amalgamated Transit Union Analysis of Objectors’ Expenses Year Ended June 30, 2007
NOTES 1. ATU-represented public employees in Illinois, Minnesota, Montana, or Oregon who are not members of the union are automatically considered objectors and are not required to make a filing under the provisions of Sections 2 and 4 of this Statement of Law and Procedures. The collective bargaining statute applicable to New Jersey public employers (with the significant exceptions of New Jersey Transit and NJT-Mercer) has the same impact. Similarly, except where a more stringent union security arrangement was in place on January 1, 1970, and has been continued in accordance with the “grand fathering” provisions of state law, the Pennsylvania public employee bargaining statute only permits a fair share union security clause under which every nonmember is obligated to pay only a reduced fee based upon prior chargeable expenditures. Local unions representing such members shall forward the names of all such nonmember objectors to the International Secretary-Treasurer, including the objector’s current home address and employer. 2. In accordance with applicable state laws, the reduced per capita tax owed by nonmember public employee objectors in Minnesota and New Jersey (except those working for New Jersey Transit or NJT-Mercer) shall be computed utilizing either the percentage of chargeable expenditures as verified by the report of the independent auditor retained by the International or eighty-five (85%) percent, whichever is lesser. 3. State statutes covering public employees in Minnesota and New Jersey (again, other than those workers employed by New Jersey Transit or NJT-Mercer) require that any person wishing to challenge the fees file an action with the state public employment board (Minnesota) or with a three-member board appointed by the governor specifically to hear fair share challenges (New Jersey). Where these statutes are applicable, any local union procedure must provide that the binding expeditious review be through the applicable state process.
Amalgamated Transit Union - Analysis of Objectors’ Expense for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2007 To the Chair and Members of the General Executive Board of the Amalgamated Transit Union We have audited the accompanying Analysis of Objectors’ Expenses of the Amalgamated Transit Union (the Analysis) for the year ended June 30, 2007. The Analysis is the responsibility of the Union’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Analysis based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the Analysis is free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the Analysis. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the Analysis. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. As described in Note 1, the Analysis was prepared on a modified cash basis of accounting, which is a comprehensive basis of accounting other than generally accepted accounting principles. The total net (U.S.) includable expenses presented in the Analysis agree to the expenses in the audited financial statements of the Amalgamated Transit Union for the year ended June 30,2007, as modified as discussed in Note 3. The allocations of expenses between chargeable and non-chargeable are based on the descriptions and the significant factors and assumptions described in Note 2. The accompanying Analysis was prepared for the purpose of determining the amount of the Union’s expenses that are chargeable or nonchargeable to fee objectors. The accompanying Analysis is hot intended to be a complete presentation of the Union’s financial statements. In our opinion, the Analysis referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the includable expenses of the Amalgamated Transit Union for the year ended June 30, 2007, and the allocation between chargeable and non-chargeable expenses, on the basis of accounting described in Note 1 and significant factors and assumptions described in Note 2. This report is intended solely for the infonnation and use of the Amalgamated Transit Union and its fee objectors and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.
Washington, DC Dated: August 29, 2007, except for the allocation of expenditures described in Note 2 as to which the date is November 20, 2007
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NOTES TO ANALYSIS OF OBJECTORS’ EXPENSES YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2007 NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Method of Accounting - The Analysis is presented using a modified cash basis of accounting. Generally, expenses are recognized when paid rather than when the obligation is incurred. However, accruals of expenses are recorded for certain transactions with local unions, funeral benefits, accrued compensated absences and other items. Depreciation - Depreciation of property and equipment is charged to operations over the estimated useful lives of the assets using the straight-line method. Benefit Payments - The Union’s Constitution and General Laws provide for the payment of a $1,000 funeral or dismemberment benefit on behalf of members and fee payers in good standing with one or more years of continuous membership or fee payment at the time of their death or dismemberment. An expense is recognized for the benefit for life members at the time they become life members. The costs associated with this benefit for other members and fee payers are accounted for upon disbursement of the benefit. Estimates - The preparation of this Analysis requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. NOTE 2. PURPOSE OF ANALYSIS OF OBJECTORS’ EXPENSES AND SIGNIFICANT FACTORS AND ASSUMPTIONS USED IN DETERMINING CHARGEABLE AND NON-CHARGEABLE EXPENSES
The purpose of this Analysis is for the determination of the percentage of fee objector dues (or their equivalent) expended by the Union for chargeable activities. Expenses for chargeable activities are those deemed “necessarily or reasonably incurred” to execute the representational duties of the Union. The percentage of Union expenses deemed not chargeable is used for determining advance dues (or their equivalent) reduction for fee objectors for the subsequent calendar year. The procedures followed in the preparation of this Analysis include categorization of each classification of expenses by chargeable and nonchargeable activities. This is accomplished by analyzing each classification of expenses and identifying amounts which are either chargeable or non-chargeable. The Union engaged professional assistance to detennine criteria for identifying chargeable and non-chargeable expenses. The procedures and significant factors and assumptions used in this Analysis in detennining these expenses are as follows: A. All expenses are identified by fund and reconciled to the Union’s annual financial statements. B. Canadian expenses within each fund are eliminated. C. Certain interfund transfers are recorded to more accurately reflect the Union activity for which certain expenditures were made.
D. Expenses are analyzed to identify chargeable and non-chargeable amounts using the following criteria: 1. Chargeable expenses include: • All expenses concerning the negotiation of agreements, practices and working conditions; • All expenses concerning the administration of agreements, practices and working conditions, including grievance handling, all activities related to arbitration and discussion with employees in the bargaining unit or employer representatives regarding working conditions, benefits and contract rights; • Convention expenses and other normal Union internal governance and management expenses; • Social activities and Union business meeting expenses; • Publication expenses to the extent coverage is related to chargeable activities; • Expenses of litigation before the courts and administrative agencies related to contract administration, collective bargaining rights and internal governance; • Expenses for legislative, executive branch and administrative agency representation on legislative and regulatory matters closely related to contract ratification or the implementation of contracts; • All strike fund expenditures and other costs of group cohesion and economic action, e.g., demonstrations, general strike activity, informational picketing, etc.: • All expenses for the education and training of members, officers and staff intended to prepare the participants to better perform chargeable activities; • All funeral and dismemberment benefits; and • An allocable amount of all net building expenses. 2. Non-chargeable expenses include all other expenses. E. For those expenses which have both chargeable or non-chargeable aspects, allocations are made using certain ratios. Significant ratios used for these allocated expenses include ratios based on salary costs supported by time records and other ratios such as student days ratios for allocation of seminar costs and printed line ratios for allocation of certain publication costs. NOTE 3. RECONCILIATION OF ANALYSIS TO AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The expenses included in this analysis are based upon the total expenses of $22,434,084 reported in the audited financial statements of the Amalgamated Transit Union modified for the following: $2,251,050 in Canadian expenses has been excluded from this analysis. $138,591 relating to various expenses which have been offset by corresponding revenue items have been excluded from this analysis.
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007
25
Bill Seeks Crackdown on ADA Violations by Over-the-Road Bus Companies Responding to a refusal by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to revoke the operating authority for intercity bus operators who refuse to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the bipartisan leadership on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee introduced H.R. 3985, the Over-the-Road Bus Transportation Accessibility Act of 2007. The bill was introduced on Monday, October 29, by Highways and Transit Subcommittee Chair Peter DeFazio, D-OR, along with the full committee Chair Jim Oberstar, D-MN, and Ranking Members John Mica, R-FL, and John Duncan, R-TN. The bill was unanimously passed out of the full committee on Wednesday, October 31. If enacted, the bill would require FMCSA to investigate ADA complaints and to revoke operating authority from a carrier who violates ADA
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rules. Similarly, FMCSA can refuse to grant operating authority to a carrier who is not in compliance with the ADA. The ATU asked the committee to introduce this legislation as a way of cracking down on blatant violations of ADA rules by curbside bus operators. Numerous fringe bus companies, operating primarily in the Northeast corridor of the U.S., have been operating in violation of the ADA and other rules governing intercity bus operations — resulting in unfair competition to more legitimate bus companies like Greyhound and Peter Pan. The ATU will continue to work to pass this legislation before Congress adjourns for the year.
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LOCAL 168 - Scranton, PA
County of Lackawanna Transit System Authority (COLTS) Local President Arthur Levandoski and International Vice President Larry Hanley report settlement. TERM:
4 years
WAGES:
Top Operator 7/1/05 - 504 7/1/06 - 504 7/1/07 - 504 7/1/08 - 504
2.9% 2.8% 2.8% 2.7%
-
$17.55 (was $17.05) $18.05 $18.55 $19.05
Top Mechanic AAA 7/1/05 - 504 - 2.8% 7/1/06 - 504 - 2.7% 7/1/07 - 504 - 2.6% 7/1/08 - 504 - 2.6%
-
$18.45 (was $17.95) $18.95 $19.45 $19.95
H & W:
Employee contribution $25/month, then to 4.25%/month in 2nd year and beyond
S & A:
$400/week (was $250)
PENSION:
Employer contribution $73.85/bi-weekly Employee contribution $76.00/bi-weekly
7/1/05 - 6/30/09 -
UNIF. ALLOW.: $90, to $110 by end of agreement SHOE ALLOW.: $80, to $100 by end of agreement
LOCAL 241 & 308 - Chicago, IL Chicago Transit Authority
Local Presidents Darrell Jefferson & Rick Harris along with International Vice President Bob Baker report interest arbitration. TERM:
5 years
WAGES:
Top Operator 1/1/07 - 764 1/1/08 - 784 1/1/09 - 814 1/1/10 - 974 1/1/11 - $1.00
-
3.0% pending legislative action - $26.09 (was $25.33) 3.0% - $26.87 3.0% - $27.68 3.5% - $28.65 3.5% - $29.65
Top Mechanic 1/1/07 - 794 1/1/08 - 814 1/1/09 - 834 1/1/10 - $1.00 1/1/11 - $1.04
-
3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.5% 3.5%
H & W:
Hospitalization stays the same as current contract for 5 years
PENSION:
One time adjustment for current retiree not to exceed $2.5 million contributions to 6% employee, 12% employer
1/1/07 - 12/31/11
-
$26.98 (was $26.19) $27.79 $28.62 $29.62 $30.66
Local 313 - Rock Island, IL
Rock Island Metropolitan Mass Transit District Local President John Ridenour and International Vice President Paul Bowen report settlement.
ABBREVIATIONS
TERM:
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4 years
3/1/07 - 2/28/11
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
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007
27
WAGES:
Top Operator 7/1/07 - 684 3/1/08 - 714 3/1/09 - 734 3/1/10 - 764
BONUS:
Signing bonus up to $350
-
3.5% 3.5% 3.5% 3.5%
-
$20.18 (was $19.50) $20.89 $21.62 $22.38
PROBATION: 120 days H & W:
Employee contribution 7%, to 12% by end of agreement
Top Mechanic - Master Technician 6/1/07 - _ - _ - $20.41 6/1/08 - 824 - 4.0% - $21.23 6/1/09 - 854 - 4.0% - $22.08 6/1/10 - 884 - 4.0% - $22.96
H & W:
Multiple plans offered. Employee contributions range from $0 to $24.48 (bi-weekly) for single; $46.30 to $202.44 for family. Employer pays balance plus between $400 - $800 yearly per employee if they choose HSA plan.
PART-TIME: Delete all references to part-time in contract
PART-TIME: Maximum 69 part-time=s (was 63)
NOTE:
TOOL ALLOW.: to $350 maximum (6/1/08)
Labor-Management committee (New) Accident/incident report pay (15 minutes) (New)
Local 416 - Peoria, IL
UNIF. ALLOW.: to $300 maximum (6/1/08)
Local 448 - Springfield, MA
Greater Peoria Mass Transit District
Lecrenski Brothers, Inc.
Local President Ronald Cox and International Vice President Janis Borchardt report settlement.
Local President Ross Kiely and International Vice President Larry Hanley report settlement.
TERM:
3 years
TERM:
3.75 years
WAGES:
Top Operator 12/1/06 - 214 - 1.0% - $20.96 (was $20.75) 12/1/07 - 234 - 1.0% - $21.19 12/1/08 - 284 - 1.3% - $21.47
Top Mechanic - 103% of top operator
WAGES:
Top Operator 9/1/04 - _ 1/1/05 - 354 9/1/05 - 404 1/1/06 - 354 9/1/06 - 354 1/1/07 - 404 9/1/07 - $1.00 1/1/08 - $1.00
SICK LEAVE: Buy back @ separation 50% up to 130 hours (was 120 hours)
BONUS:
- $50 for working on birthday - safety and attendance bonus
UNIF. ALLOW.: $250 (was $230)
SICK LEAVE: Up to 10 days unpaid year
12/1/06 - 11/30/09
PROGRESSION: 2nd 12 months 72% (was 70%) H & W: Employee contribution - $98/month - single $129/month - single + 1 $147/month - family
SHOE ALLOW.: $105 (was $100) NOTE:
The contract was ratified by a vote of 78 to 7.
Local President Ronald Cox and International Vice President Paul Bowen report settlement. TERM:
3 years
WAGES:
Top Operator 9/1/06 - _ - _ - $12.25
BONUS:
Signing bonus $100
H & W:
Employer contribution $230/month, to $290/month by end of agreement
9/1/06 - 8/31/09
SICK LEAVE: 3 days/year (was 2) Changes in grievance procedure. The contract was ratified by a vote of 22 to 4.
LOCAL 441 - Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Regional Transit Authority Local President Jeff Welter and International Vice President Marcellus Barnes report settlement. 4 years
WAGES:
Top Operator 6/1/07 - 524 6/1/08 - 534 6/1/09 - 554 6/1/10 - 634
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_ - $15.65 2.2% - $16.00 2.5% - $16.40 2.1% - $16.75 2.1% - $17.10 2.3% - $17.50 5.7% - $18.50 5.4% - $19.50
BEREAVEMENT: (3) days - spouse, child, parent, step-child, grandparent & grandchild
Springfield Area Transit Company, Inc.
MV Transportation, Inc.
TERM:
-
LOCAL 448 - Springfield, MA
LOCAL 416 - Peoria, IL
NOTE:
11/12/04 - 6/30/08
6/1/07 - 5/31/11 -
3.0% 3.0% 3.0% 3.3%
-
$17.81 (was $17.29) $18.34 $18.89 $19.52
Local President Ross Kiely and International Vice President Larry Hanley report settlement. TERM:
3 years
WAGES:
Top Operator 7/1/06 - 104 10/1/06 - 104 1/1/07 - 154 4/1/07 - 154 7/1/07 - 254 1/1/08 - 254 6/30/08 - 254
Top Mechanic - AA@ - (110% top operator) 7/1/06 - $21.62 (was $21.51) 10/1/06 - $21.73 1/1/07 - $21.89 4/1/07 - $22.06 7/1/07 - $22.33 1/1/08 - $22.61 6/30/08 - $22.88
7/1/05 - 6/30/08 -
.5% .5% .8% .8% 1.2% 1.2% 1.2%
-
$19.65 (was $19.55) $19.75 $19.90 $20.05 $20.30 $20.55 $20.80
COLA: Frozen PROGRESSION: Effective 7/1/06: 1st year - 75% (was 65%) 2nd year - 80% (was 70%) 3rd year - 85% (was 75%) 4th year - 90% (was 80%) 5th year - 95% (was 90%)
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TOOL ALLOW.: Tool & shoe allowance $600, to $650 on 1/1/08
2/17/07 - 284 - 1.5% - $19.25 2/16/08 - 294 - 1.5% - $19.54
LOCAL 587 - Seattle, WA
Top Mechanic 2/18/06 - _ - 2.5% - $20.44 2/17/07 - 314 - 1.5% - $20.75 2/16/08 - 314 - 1.5% - $21.06
Local President Lance Norton and International Vice President Ron Heintzman report settlement.
H & W:
HMO : 100% paid by employer - employee only Employer contribution $26/month - employee + 1 Employer contribution $24.26/month - family
POS:
Employer contribution $52/month - employee only, $74/month employee + 1, $97/month - family
SHOE ALLOW.: $150/year for those not eligible for tool/shoe allowance
Clallam Transit System
TERM:
3 years
WAGES:
Top Operator 1/1/04 - 494 - 2.7% - $18.47 (was $17.98) 1/1/05 - 514 - 2.8% - $18.98 1/1/06 - 524 - 2.7% - $19.50
Top Mechanic 1/1/04 - 534 - 2.8% - $19.67 (was $19.14) 1/1/05 - 544 - 2.7% - $20.21 1/1/06 - 564 - 2.8% - $20.77
LONGEVITY:
5th year - 104/hour 10th year - 154/hour 15th year - 204/hour 20th year - 254/hour 25th year - 304/hour
1/1/04 - 12/31/06
PART-TIME: Capped @ 29.165% of bus operators TOOL ALLOW.: $200 NOTE:
Training pay - $1.00/hour
LOCAL 587 - Seattle, WA
2008
Jefferson Transit Authority
Local President Lance Norton reports settlement. TERM:
3 years
WAGES:
Top Operator 1/1/05 - _ - _ - $18.30 1/1/06 - 504 - 2.7% - $18.80 1/1/07 - 524 - 2.8% - $19.32
Top Mechanic 1/1/05 - _ - _ - $20.02 1/1/06 - 554 - 2.7% - $20.57 1/1/07 - 574 - 2.8% - $21.14
1/1/05 - 12/31/07
HOLIDAYS: Add floating holiday
ATU Training and Events
TOOL ALLOW.: $450/year SHOE ALLOW.: $100 NOTE:
Instructor pay - 110% of current wage
LOCAL 587 - Seattle, WA Seattle Personal Transit
Local President Lance Norton reports settlement. TERM:
3 years
WAGES:
Top Operator 6/1/05 - _ - _ - $15.52 6/1/06 - 474 - 3.0% - $15.99 6/1/07 - 484 - 3.0% - $16.47
BONUS:
$200 signing bonus
2/1/05 - 1/31/08
LOCAL 732 - Atlanta, GA MARTA
Local President Ernest Brooks and International Vice President Kenneth Kirk report interest arbitration. TERM:
3 years
WAGES:
Top Operator 2/18/06 - _
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2/24/06 - 2/23/09
January 22 – 25
Maintenance Seminar New Orleans, LA
February 5 – 10
Eastern Regional Conference Orlando, FL
February 20 – 22
Veolia Western Labor-Management Seminar Phoenix, AZ
March 8 – 12
ATU Legislative Conference Washington, DC
March 18 – 20
Veolia Eastern Labor-Management Seminar Chapel Hill, NC
April 4 – 9
Western Regional Training Seattle, WA
May 5 – 10
Canadian Training Vancouver, BC
May 17 – 22
Mid-West Regional Training Minneapolis, MN
- 2.5% - $18.97
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007
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In Memoriam
Death Benefits Awarded October - November 2007
1 - MEMBERS AT LARGE ERNEST C. BUZZELL ALMA R. CASSINELLI CLYDE W. CHRISTIAN LYMAN C. CRAFT WILLIAM O. DORN ALBERT J. JONES WALTER EDGAR NEWTON ANTHONY PIETRANGELO CHARLES V. POYNTER HEODORE G. RATH MARVIN EUGENE RAYMOND 26 - DETROIT, MI JOSEPH PHILIP AGNEW CALDWELL DIXON NORVAL FORTUNE PAUL MORONI JOHN T. PRYOR 85 - PITTSBURGH, PA ANTHONY DI CIERO ROY E. DINGELDEIN DANA R. FRANCIS JOHN P. GLASKO MILDRED L. HALKO FREDERICK HERRINGTON FLOYD JOHNSON DAVID T. JONES BEVERLY J. KENNEDY WILLIAM K. KRUGH JOSEPH LOVAS JOHN NOVAK DAVID T. PETERS FRANK J. REINHARDT MICHAEL SAN MARCO FREDERICK R. SLANEY MARVIN J. SMITH GROVER L. TAYLOR ALBERT J. TEXTER RONALD A. TORRANCE WILLIAM R. WAGNER 103 - WHEELING, WV DAVID J. DORAN 113 - TORONTO, ON SAMUEL J. APPLETON FELIX BACH SAM JOHN CUSIMANO MARIO D’ALESSANDRO DOMINIC DI PAOLO ARTHUR O. ECCLES DOMENICO GARITO THOMAS CROOKS GOURLEY KENNETH AUSTIN MAY FINTAN MOORE AURELIO MOSCARIELLO MICHAEL GERALD MULLAN JOHN MURRAY NICKS THOMAS PAINTER RICHARD J. PEDDER HORACE H. SAMBRIDGE WALTER KEITH SWANSTON LEWIS ROY TUNBRIDGE 241 - CHICAGO, IL SYLVESTER BLAYLOCK HAROLD W. CHILDERS
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INTRANSIT TRANSIT IN
JOHN DEVINE FRANK L. DREWREY CAROL L. GRAHAM EDWARD P. HENRY JAMES M. JARVIS ROBERT J. KANTOR VALENCIA LANGFORD GISELA R. MOLINA LARRY D. MORRIS RONNIE RENTAS THADDIEUS M. ROLARK ROBERT J. SALMEN VINCENT P. SHAYER EMMA M. SIMPSON ROBERT W. STOFER JOHN J. VIOLLT EARNEST WALLS THURMAN H. WRIGHT
569- EDMONTON, AB LIONEL P. BANDCROFT FRED F. LE BLANC ARNOLD E. LEACHMAN BRUCE A. PUDWELL WALTER L. TALLY
256 - SACRAMENTO, CA RENE JEFFERSON
587- SEATTLE, WA FRANCISCO GERONIMO RONALD W. HARWOOD AKIRA HIGASHI
265- SAN JOSE, CA ADOLPH BROWN JR. LUCY J LOHREY SAMUEL C. WILLIAMS 268- CLEVELAND, OH KENNETH R. CLARK RALPH HOLLOWAY CORNELIUS H. YOUNG 272- YOUNGSTOWN, OH JOHN T. SPENIL 279- OTTAWA, ON DARCY BOULAY ALLAN J. BOYD MICHEL D. GRAVELLE DALE C. JACKSON JEAN GUY JEANVEAUX REGENT LEDUC ARMAND ROCHON 281- NEW HAVEN, CT DAVID NELSON JOSEPH SHOWL 308- CHICAGO, IL ROBERT H. AUGUSTIN ELMER H. BROWN CHARLES A. COOKE ERSIE R. FOSTER CLIFTON GRAHAM JEAN F. JACKSON JOHN H. LEWIS WILLIAM A. MULWEE CARLOS J. RAMIREZ ELIZABETH A. RUSSO WILLIE D. SUDDUTH THOMAS A. TEUSCHER 425- HARTFORD, CT CHRISTOBAL BURGOS LEOPOLD GUERTIN 448- SPRINGFIELD, MA JEAN C. BELANGER
580- SYRACUSE, NY LEONARD JOSEPH EGBERT ROGER H. JEWITT 583- CALGARY, AB HARRY ASHTON KEITH BRUCE ERNEST DAVID GROSE MELVIN GORDON MC RAE DONALD K. MULROONEY DMITRIY TOPORKOV
589- BOSTON, MA CLARENCE E. ANDERSON ARNOLD G. BARCHARD MARLENE R. BARRETT DONNA M. BLANCY LEO B. BUTTS CHARLES J. CABRAL JOHN J. CARROLL CARTER CROSBY GEORGE A. DOHERTY ARTHUR FINSTEIN CHARLES R. GALLAGHER JOHN E GANNON CHARLES J. HENWOOD SR WILLIAM F. HUGHES EDWARD L. LYNCH JOHN J. McCARRON EDWARD M. O’CONNELL JUSTIN JOSEPH PHINNEY KEITH W. PRATT VINCENT SALVI HAROLD M. SIEGEL 615- SASKATOON, SK LEONARD GUDMUNDSON WINSTON L. JARRETT 618- PROVIDENCE, RI BENJAMIN DI SANO GERALD O. LANGLOIS WILLIAM P. MERANDI 627- CINCINNATI, OH PAUL A. EASTER LINDA M. WALLACE 689- WASHINGTON, DC JOHN T. BLACKNALL EARNEST CANTY NORMAN H. COLLINS III JOSEPH C. DREW RICHARD V. EOFF JOE LOUIS JERRY JR WARNER H. LONG MEIGS A. NEWKIRK
EDMUND C. NUSSEAR JR OSSMAN BUHL ORNDORFF JOHN K. RANDALL THEODORE C. ROBERTS JAMES SMITH WILLIAM HAROLD THAMES GARNETT B. WEATHERFORD SR KENT J. WOOD 694- SAN ANTONIO, TX DONALD L. LAUNER 704- LITTLE ROCK, AR JOE S. ROGERS 713- MEMPHIS, TN RAYMOND W. LIMING 717- MANCHESTER, NH JOSEPH F. WOLF 725- BIRMINGHAM, AL JAMES BUFORD COLLEY MORGAN HUMPHREY ROBERT H. JACKSON 726- STATEN ISLAND, NY LAWRENCE MITCHELL 732- ATLANTA, GA MARTIN PERRY BURDINE HAL A. TERRY 757- PORTLAND, OR STEVEN L. PETTIFORD EVERETT L. PHIPPS JAMES R. STEELE EVVARD WEST 758- TACOMA, WA VERNELLE C. HUDSON 788- ST. LOUIS, MO LOIS M. HANNER DONALD W. TRESSLER ROBERT VERHEY 819- NEWARK, NJ BREMAN S. BOOKHARDT MARIE T. DEEHAN CHARLES HENRY RICHARD W. MORGAN JOHN K. WILLIAMS MARY J. WRIGHT 821- JERSEY CITY, NJ JOSEPH MICHAEL KILIAN
847- ST. JOSEPH, MO JAMES G. NUNLEY 880- CAMDEN, NJ HUBERT M. CONNELL JOHN DONNELLY STEVE EVANS GUY HARRIS HOWARD F. MACRI LEONARD ALBERT MOORE STEPHEN T. PEAKER TIMOTHY S. SMITH WINSTON WILSON 956- ALLENTOWN, PA ARTHUR S. KEICH FRANK W. MORRIS ROBERT F. ZIEGLER
1309- SAN DIEGO, CA CHARLES R. FAIRLEY LOUIS MICHAEL PISONI WALTER E. THORNTON 1321- ALBANY & TROY, NY HAROLD BACHELDOR THOMAS JOSEPH KELLY 1338- DALLAS, TX MOSES SANDERS JOHN E. THURMAN 1342- BUFFALO, NY HENRY BASZCZYNSKI MARGARET KANE RUTH MISENER ANDREA SANTIAGO
998- MILWAUKEE, WI DONALD J. AHLBORN CARMEN BACKHAS ANTHONY H. JANUCHOWSKI 1345- READING, PA MELVIN L. STETLER FRANCIS J. LAUMANN EDWIN J. MYLES JR 1374- CALGARY, AB JOHN N. SIGWART ROBERT FRED BATES RODERICK E. BELL 1001- DENVER, CO FRED H. CURVEON JAMES B. CROWDIS WILLIAM KREVENCHUK MELVIN L. SHEPARD 1005- MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL, MN JOHN H. CLINE GERALD B. DANIELS FRANK N. FRAZER DANIEL F. JOHNSON JAMES E. PUYPE ROBERT E. SCHULTZ
1447- LOUISVILLE, KY LEWIS W. GOSSETT JACK E. TRENT
1160- MONROE, LA MCARTHUR BROOKS
1505- WINNIPEG, MB JACQUES COULOMBE DANIEL CUDDY STANLEY J. DUDZIC KENNETH JAMES GRAHAM JOHN GLEN McCANN ISAAC PENNER ANDREAS SCHUETZMANN ARCHIE MURRAY WAGNER
1177- NORFOLK, VA LOYD I. BOWEN GEORGE COREY JR. LEONARD MONATSBERGER 1179- NEW YORK, NY LANGLEY JOHNSON NORMAN S. ROBERSON 1181- NEW YORK, NY ANTHONY DE MAIO 1267- FT.LAUDERDALE, FL ELIJAH L. MOBLEY 1277- LOS ANGELES, CA LUCAS HERNANDEZ RUDOLPHO VALENZUELA
824- NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ LEONARD KRUSHINSKI 1287- KANSAS CITY, MO EDSEL PONICSAN JEWELL WADE 825- ORADELL, NJ ANNIE F. THOMAS RICHARD WERNLI
ROLAND L. REXROTH JAMES H. TIBBS RICHARD PAUL URCIOLO
1300- BALTIMORE, MD PAUL THOMAS GREB ALVIS C. MC LEAN
1462- ST. JOHN’S, NF WILLIAM RYAN 1493- RALEIGH, NC ROGER T. HEDGEPETH
1572- MISSISSAUGA, ON JOHN D. DORAN 1575- SAN RAFAEL, CA HUMBERTO A. ALVARADO LLOYD F. DINWIDDIE WILLIAM R. OMLOR 1587- TORONTO, ON MARGARET E. FINCH 1625- BUFFALO, NY JAMES CURETON 1700- CHICAGO, IL EUGENE A. FURST WILLIE RAY HAMM ROBERT W. REES ARTHUR C. TOLAR
www.atu.org www.atu.org
Resolve
N ReseowluYtear’s 1. Exer ions
2. Fina cise 3. Conn nces ections
To ring in the New Year with union member savings! IT’S RESOLUTION TIME… the perfect time to take control
and get your life into better shape.This year, resolve to take full advantage of your union’s benefits.There’s no better way to stretch your hard-earned paycheck and enrich your life both on and off the job. Check out the special savings and customized services available only to union members. Here are some of the ways your union benefits can help you make a strong start this New Year. SHAPE UP your body and mind
• Shed holiday pounds and high rates with union discounts at more than 1,500 health clubs nationwide, including Bally Total Fitness, select Gold’s Gyms and other top fitness centers. • Save up to 40% on movie tickets. • Get discount DVD rentals at Blockbuster. • Read about something new. Find great selections and bargain prices at Powell’s Book Store, the largest unionized Internet bookseller.
FIX your finances
• Get FREE credit counseling and budget advice from professionals carefully chosen to protect the interests of union workers. • Save 15% on all myFICO credit score products, including credit reports and personalized score explanation. • Check our easy-to-use loan payment calculators and other financial tools to get out of debt faster and make smart decisions about your financing your mortgage, cars and lifestyle choices. • Find out how to raise your credit score, correct errors on credit reports and qualify for lower rates on credit cards and loans. • Apply for a low-rate loan or credit card.
IMPROVE your connections
• Take an additional 10% off the regular rate of any individual or family calling plan purchased at a AT&T Wireless store. The union discount is ONLY available at AT&T stores, NOT available through the phone, at any authorized AT&T dealer or kiosk. (If you call any AT&T customer service phone number, they cannot apply the discount.)
• Get high-speed dial-up Internet service that’s 5 times faster than 56K for only $14.95 a month. • Use Union Plus Voice with your existing broadband connection and save 85% on your phone bill.
To learn more about the benefits, and savings available to you visit, EdMail-10/07
www.atu.org
www.UnionPlus.org NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2007
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PROUD TO BE ATU Moving the U.S. and Canada Safely
ATU Financial Secretary Seminar October 28 - November 2, 2007 Silver Spring, Maryland
Walter P. Barrington
Paul Boie
Brian Chamberlain
Edward A. Dustman
Stephanie Dyson
Evette Farra
Becky Gardner
LOCAL 1462 St. John’s, NL
LOCAL 1363 Providence, RI
LOCAL 1624 Peterborough, ON
LOCAL 697 Toledo, OH
LOCAL 1546 Baton Rouge, LA
LOCAL 757 Portland, OR
LOCAL 1192 Waterloo, IA
John H. Greenhill
Gary W. Hopper
Dana E. King
Nelson Little
Kim E. Mitchell
William Montgomery
Wieslaw Wolczyk
LOCAL 1235 Nashville, TN
LOCAL 610 Charleston, SC
LOCAL 892 Tulsa, OK
LOCAL 103 Wheeling, WV
LOCAL 308 Chicago, IL
LOCAL 1592 Binghamton, NY
LOCAL 591 Hull, QC
Amalgamated Transit Union
AFL-CIO/CLC 5025 Wisconsin Ave., NW Washington, D.C. 20016 www.atu.org
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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID WASHINGTON, D.C. PERMIT NO. 2656