Visit online:www.atu587.com ning favorablening I’m settlements. not at win process grievance/arbitration the through grievances mination agreement. labor of of our conditions terms the T you later Babe. later you “ as propriate such comments or made huff inap in of meetings Manager,eral Ihave out not walked Transit’s First Unlike manner. Gen professional a in conduct myself to continue conducted, will and toI beg differ. I have childish. and away uncouth such ager is in that Transit’s Man First General conclusions. some misinformed forms ter writer President’s let the which in Report TAKEUNION THIS Pursued two First Transit First two Pursued ter Transit First that abideInsist by I’m of slandering accused being What Ihave done: tor critical of my April2012tor critical edi to the a letter features month’shis News Review June 2012 AND…Part Two ” The President’s Report See See ------rett, and First Transit First and Vicerett, Senior Executive Deputy Fred Jar County Desmond, King Kevin Manager eral details? Transit not want you the to know Why First does details. settlement 587 not Local release condition that include a settlement the insisted Transit First because settlements of those details the to release liberty Appealed to King County Gen County Appealed to King Unfortunately, First Transit management management Transit First Unfortunately, has relegated our Union Representative Representative Union our relegated has to a backroom and won’t allow him him allow won’t and backroom a to direct access to employees. to access direct Paul J. Bachtel by President, - - of our Unionof on our anumber attorneys when/if come. they to you responses those forward I’veconcerns will brought and forth toI’m the responses awaitingtheir Transit’s Manager. General Seattle conduct unprofessional of Firstthe from redress seeking Cincinnati, back in President Dunning Rick I am currently working with one working with currently I am continued onpage12

Labor andEmploymentReations MERAA &ATU 587’s2012Summer Drivers andRiderscallfor “Putting theMovementBack COPE —Endorsementsand Cookout —Save theDate! Labor History Calendar Improvements toAccess in theLaborMovement” “Meet theCandidates” Letters totheEditor (L.E.RA.) Conference Arbitration Update Page 11 Page 10 Page 7 Page 6 Page 5 Page 4 Page 3 Page 3 VOL. XXXV, NO. 6 June June 2012

The Month at a Glance Business of Executive Board the Membership Report May 29 2012 At the May cycle of membership Motion: By Patrick Stevens that meetings, the following business Stanley Bascomb be paid $1000 for was addressed: any misunderstandings. Motion failed. All officers were present with Motion: By Rick Sepolen to ap- Proposal to Change Article VI, the exception of Vice President prove the purchase of errors and Section 3 of Local 587 Bylaws. The following members were MacAdam, Financial Secretary Neil, omissions insurance, Employment Membership did not approve. May pot draw winners: Randy Executive Board Officers Anderson Practice Insurance, Individual Labor Steinman at the Charter meeting, and Wakenight was out ill; Execu- Leader defense coverage endorse- Motion: By Erin Clark to direct Paul Tefft at the Morning meeting, tive Board Officer Stevens was on ment at a cost of $6000.00 annually. the President to negotiate and imple- Carol Headley at the JTA meeting, vacation. ment a Memorandum of Agreement Sandra Fangan at the CTS meeting, Motion: By Andy Jeromsky to implementing Rail separate senior- Dan Kenny at the 3rd Meeting. Frank The following business was sponsor King County Councilmem- ity for Rail Supervisors, consistent Carpenter lost the CTS rolling pot conducted: ber Joe McDermott Bowling Tourna- with Rail Operator language as draw of $275.00, next month’s rolling ment Fundraiser at a cost of $500. expressed in Exhibit D, Article R6, pot will be $300.00. Motion: By Clint DeVoss to accept section 1.1 paragraphs D & E. This COPE Endorsements as published Motion: By Michael Moore to is for the purpose of seniority; Rail in the News Review. sponsor a five alarm Seattle Fire Supervisors shall be considered a Fighters Third Rail Fund Drive at separate classification. Motion: By Ninus Hopkins to a cost of $500. Motion passed. approve the purchase of 2013, cal- endars at a cost not exceed $9000.00 Motion: By Kermit Gipson to plus tax and shipping. recommend that the membership pursues the grievance of Ravi Ron- Motion: By Rick Sepolen to ser to arbitration. Membership Meetings: recommend that the membership denies the election challenge by Motion: By Paul Neil to purchase John Ross. a retirement chicken coop for J.Rick Sepolen at a cost not to exceed Tentative Agenda $500.00.

CHARTER MEETING JEFFERSON TRANSIT Thursday, June 7, 2012 Monday, June 11, 2012 8:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m. The Labor Temple, Hall #1 Port Townsend Rec Center 2800 1st Ave., Seattle, WA Port Townsend, WA In Loving Memory…

MORNING MEETING CLALLAM TRANSIT “What lies behind us and what lies Friday, June 8, 2012 Tuesday, June 12, 2012 10:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. before us are tiny matters The Labor Temple, Hall #8 Vern Burton Memorial Building 2800 1st Ave., Seattle, WA Port Angeles, WA compared to what lies within us.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wednesday MEETING Theodore Parker, a KCM Tran- St e ve n A . Wednesday, June 13, 2012 sit Operator, passed away on Saxby, a re- 3:30 p.m. The Labor Temple, Hall #1 April 26, 2012. He joined the Lo- tired KCM 2800 1st Ave., Seattle, WA cal in May 2006. Brother Parker Transit Oper- was recognized as Operator of ator, passed Month, March 2012. He was 69 away on April years old. 24, 2012. He Steven A. Saxby Among Topics to be Discussed: joined the Lo- Grievance and Arbitration Update cal in April 1973. Brother Saxby Unfinished Business: retired March 2006. He was 64 years old. • Motion: By Paul Neil to contribute $500 for a Bowling Tournament to support King County Councilman Joe McDermott. Please notify the union office of any member’s passing so that this • Motion: By Bruce Tiebout that any and all outdated and/or unknown information may be shared with the rest of our union family. standing motions shall be null and void.

OFFICERS OF THE AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION, LOCAL 587: Letters to the editor Letters/contributions must include Paul J. Bachtel Pres/Business Agent Minority Affairs Office Ray Campbell email – [email protected] Vehicle Maintenance Position #1 Kermit C. Gipson Jr. printed names, signatures, work ID Vehicle Maintenance Position #2 Patrick Stevens numbers, addresses and phone numbers J. RICK SEPOLEN 1st Vice President/Assistant Vehicle Maintenance Position #3 Clint De Voss Business Agent / email – [email protected] Facilities Maintenance Dan Thorne that can be verified during working Supervisors Michael Shea hours. Letters that cannot be validated DON MacADAM 2nd Vice President/ Special Classifications Eric Butler King County Units Outside KCM Ninus Hopkins will not be published. All articles/letters Assistant Business Agent, Maintenance Transit Operator Position #1 Neal Safrin email – [email protected] Transit Operator Position #2 Michael Moore are subject to editing and should be Published monthly in Seattle. Transit Operator Position #3 Dee Wakenight limited to 1000 words or less. Not all Paul B. Neil Financial Secretary Transit Operator Position #4 Lisa Nault Official publication of Amalgamated email – [email protected] Transit Operator Position #5 Andrew Jeromsky letters can be published due to space Transit Operator Position #6 Hal Poor limitations. Cut off is the 15th of each Transit Union Local 587, AFL-CIO, Judy YOung Recording Secretary Transit Operator Position #7 Linda Anderson Transit Operator Position #8 Ray Mason month. Any submission from a member representing employees of Metro/King Editor 587 News Review Clallam / Jefferson County Robert Eash County, Clallam Transit, Jefferson email – [email protected] Rail Representative Chuck Miller of Local 587 to the News Review deemed Transit, Seattle Personal Transit, and Web site: http://www.atu587.com unprintable by the Recording Secretary First Transit. shall be forwarded to the Executive Board for final decision to publish. 2815 Second Avenue, Suite 230 Seattle, 98121 Weingarten Rights Statement Send letters to: Telephone: 206-448-8588. I request to have a union representative present on my behalf dur- Judy Young ing this meeting because I believe it may lead to disciplinary action c/o ATU Local 587 Affiliations: Washington State Labor Council, taken against me. If I am denied my right to have a union representative News Review King County Labor Council, Northwest Joint Con- 2815 Second Avenue, Suite 230 ference Board, ATU Legislative Council, Olympic present, I will refuse to answer accusational questions and any I believe Seattle, WA 98121 Labor Council. may lead to discipline. 2 June 2012 June Labor History Calendar

Compiled by Bill Clifford

June 1916—Due to WWII labor “I don’t know if there are men on 10 June shops were heavily restricted, and shortage, Seattle Transit operators the moon, but if there are, they must states were allowed to pass “right- began workweek of 5 days on, one be using the earth as their lunatic 1899—850 workers struck Cleve- to-work laws” that outlawed union day off (for $195/month). asylum.” land’s Big Consolidated Transit Line shops. Furthermore, the executive ~George Bernard Shaw for union recognition, improved branch of the Federal government June 1962—ATU International In conditions and better wages. could obtain legal strikebreaking Transit features a two-page spread 6 June Management refused to arbitrate injunctions if an impending or cur- on the International officers (in- and hired strikebreakers. Strikers rent strike “imperiled the national cluding IVP Al Noel, formerly of 1889—A burning glue pot in a and the sympathetic public rioted health or safety,” a test that has been 587) previewing 587’s operation of Pioneer Square carpentry shop ig- intermittently into July when the interpreted broadly by the courts. the Monorail prior to the opening nited sawdust, then the room and mayor called up the state militia. Congress overrode Truman’s initial of the Seattle World’s Fair. In those finally most of downtown Seattle. Boycotts and work action continued veto of Taft-Hartley. Unions sup- days, the Monorail could still top Seattle’s new electric streetcars into August, but the strike died out ported Truman’s reelection bid in 60mph and was touted as the “Main continued to run during the fire, as strikers accepted rehire without 1948, partly on his promise to repeal Gate” to the Fair (and as a “severe some getting hot enough to blister representation. the act. Instead of working toward test” of one solution to commuter their paint. repeal, Truman invoked the act to transportation problems). 12 June break strikes 12 times during his 1996—Labor Party founded in second term. 1 June Cleveland (ATU 587 participates). 1886—First Seattle dock work- This was at least his fourth major ers’ union 24 June 1909—The Alaska Yukon and attempt to start a labor party in Pacific Exposition (Seattle’s first the US. Spearheaded by Oil and 14 June 1987—Jackie Gleason dies. Glea- world’s fair) opened on the grounds Chemical and Atomic Workers VP son’s role as Ralph Kramden, who of UW. The Seattle Electric Company Tony Mazzocchi, the Labor Party’s 1938—Fair Labor Standards Act drove the Madison Avenue line on printed special brochures for AYP main strategy was to affiliate with signed by President Roosevelt. The Honeymooners, was based on visitors extolling the streetcar sys- the International Unions. The LP his own early experiences. Aban- tem. At the time, it had 90 miles of eventually gained affiliation with 23 June doned by his father at a young age, track, regularly hauled freight on 9 Internationals and hundreds of Gleason’s mother supported the many lines, ran daily tours of the local unions representing 1 million 1947—Taft-Hartley Act passed, family as a ticket agent for Brooklyn- system, and provided for the rental workers but had only about 5000 limiting labor rights under National Manhattan Transit until her death in of private cars on 30-minutes notice. paid members. Labor Relations Act and closing 1935, before effective unionization Mazzocchi’s top-down emphasis the door on the gains of the ‘30s. of BMT. Mae Gleason died so poor 1925—Ordinance 49003 extends disenfranchised individual mem- Written by the hard-line National that her coworkers took up a collec- line from Cowen Park on 15th NE bers and local chapters, resulting Association of Manufacturers, tion for her burial. to NE 80th St. Operation started on in half-hearted support from labor the Taft Hartley Act (formally the As a successful actor during the December 1! leaders and little grassroots pres- Labor–Management Relations Act) 1950s run of The Honeymooners, ence. Mazzocchi’s tight control prohibited jurisdictional strikes, Gleason would drop by the BMT’s 2 June ended with his death in 2002. Some wildcat strikes, solidarity or po- Sunset garage for material. On the local chapters of the LP are still ac- litical strikes, secondary boycotts, TV show, you can see a TWU (Transit 1930—North Queen Anne bus tive, but it appears that US workers secondary and mass picketing, Workers’ Union) button on his uni- line started. must wait for a fifth attempt to form closed shops, and monetary dona- form. A statue of Gleason stands at a labor party in order to join work- tions by unions to federal political the New York Port Authority. 4 June ers of other industrialized nations campaigns. It also required union in electing representatives with a officers to sign non-communist af- 2012—Full moon. labor agenda. fidav it s w it h t he gover n me nt. Un ion

Arbitration Update KEEP YOUR 1. Christopher McClure: hearing scheduled June 15, Grieved suspension for al- 2012. leged negligence in derail- ADDRESS ment; arbitration held for 5. Antonio Bridges: Grieved February 28, 2012; decision suspension for alleged pending. Personal Electronic Device CURRENT!! use while operating a Metro 2. Ernest Kirschnick: Grieved vehicle; scheduled June 27, (A request from our Local 8 Union office staff) termination for alleged 2012. violation of Metro policy; Throughout the year Local 587 mails letters to our arbitration hearing held 6. Richard Wischman: membership. With each mailing sent, the union April 4 & 6, 2012; decision Grieved improper upgrade receives a small percentage of letters returned due to pending. to Equipment Dispatcher improper address. position; scheduled July 3. Michael Gallagher: 25, 2012. Local 587 maintains a database that in part includes Grieved termination for the names and addresses of our King County Metro alleged falsification of a 7. Thomas Miller: Grieved members. The King County Metro section of the Metro document; arbitra- failure of Metro to upgrade database is updated monthly from data provided by tion hearing held May 11 & a Mechanic to Lead en- King County Metro. 17, 2012; decision pending. abling skimming of Local 587 work by a Local 587 If you are a King County Metro employee and your 4. Symantha Cola: Grieved member working in a Lo- name and address is not current with King County suspension for alleged mis- cal 17 capacity; scheduled Metro, you may not receive Union mailings. Please conduct; settlement talks September 12, 2012. keep your name and address current with King underway with arbitration County Metro. 3 June 2012 COPE? It’s That Place You Donate Money To Jeremy Une, Atlantic Base #20527

erhaps you are like me and and I. Currently we spend one or member, to get some face time with right now. Over the next months, don’t really know what hap- two days a month meeting with candidates that we all are approving. I will be writing to inform you of pens to your money after it potential political candidates. These I hope that this has given you a what we are up to and explaining Pgoes to COPE. Several opportunities are candidates for local and state of- little idea of what COPE is doing more about what we do. have come up for me to learn, and fices that will be elected in the fall. in return, to share with you what Our top two criteria are being happens. transit friendly and being pro- The first experience was COPE union. After we have interviewed Lobby Day. A bunch of metro the candidates, we discuss and Meet the Candidates employees “borrowed” a bus to decide who we feel comfortable Olympia to spend the day learning endorsing and/or financially con- Thursday July 5, 2012 about the legislative process and to tribute to their campaign. Our speak to the Legislators and Sena- recommendations are submitted to 6:00pm - 7:30pm tors that represent our individual t he Un ion Officers a nd ta ken before Labor Temple districts. We shared who we were the E-Board who decides if those and asked them to vote in favor of recommendations will be brought 2800 First Avenue, Seattle several measures that were coming before the membership for vote in up for vote. Our primary focus was the membership cycle of meetings. on obtaining long term sustainable If you the members agree, then we Please join the COPE Committee prior to the July funding for transit. We also encour- ca n officially endorse t he ca ndidate aged them to take a stance against and maybe even give them some Charter Meeting to meet and learn more about our privatization of transit, just in case money. endorsed Candidates for the 2012 Election. that topic comes up in the future. We will be introducing candi- My next step was to actually join dates for the next several months What a great occasion to ask questions and share the COPE committee. The commit- and are planning a Meet the Candi- concern with Individuals who share our values as tee consists of four people: Sara dates Night that will happen before Franklin (driver), Linda Wells (su- the membership cycle of meetings Transit Workers and Union Members. pervisor), Craig Trick (mechanic) in July. This is a chance for you, the COPE—587 Recommendations for Endorsement

Statewide Offices: Washington State Legislature:

U.S. House of Representatives 8th CD **1st Legislative District House **32nd Legislative District House **Karen Porterfield Position 2 - Luis Moscoso Position 1 - Cindy Ryu

State Governor **2nd Legislative District Senate 34th Legislative District House Jay Inslee Bruce Lachney Position 2 - Joe Fitzgibbon

State Attorney General **11th Legislative District Senate 36th Legislative District House Bob Ferguson Brett Phillips

Secretary of State (dual) **3rd Legislative District Senate **41st Legislative District Senate **Kathleen Drew and Greg Nickels Maureen Judge

Statewide Ballot Measures: **5th Legislative District Senate **46th Legislative District House The COPE Committee voted to make the Position 1 - Sylvester Cann following recommendations IF these proposed ballot measures qualify for the ballot: **46th Legislative District Senate **46th Legislative District House David Frockt Position 2 (dual) **NO on Initiative 1185 Sarajane Siegfried Tim Eyman measure requiring a 2/3’s super- **11th Legislative District House and Dusty Hoerler majority to repeal special interest tax breaks Position 2 - Bobby Virk or to raise taxes. **47th Legislative District House **21st Legislative District House Position 1 - Bud Sizemore **NO on Initiative 1191 Position 2 - Making Washington a so-called “right to **48th Legislative District House work” state. **27th Legislative District House Position 2 - Cyrus Habib Position 2 - Jake Fey Bench Positions:

** King County Superior Court Judge Position 40 - Ken Schubert PUT C.O.P.E. DONATIONS TO Superior Court Judge - Bill Bowman

** King County Superior Court WORK — VOTE PRO TRANSIT Position 46 - Judy Ramseyer 4 June 2012 Drivers and Riders call for Improvements to Access

By the ATU 587 Paratransit Action Committee

e have many unsung he- providers First Transit and Veolia roes in ATU 587. But it’s declined to attend. Local 587 hard to find any kinder, The Dispatchers and Schedulers presented the petition, signed by 75 Wmore dedicated people in this world Access Drivers, and lists of specific than our Paratransit Drivers. The suggestions from both riders and service they offer is a lifeline to themselves have unacceptable working Drivers. We asked Metro to respond people who frequently have no to each suggestion. They did not do other means than paratransit to conditions, for instance, sometimes being this, so we asked a second time. You leave their home for shopping and can read our second request, and medical care. forced to work over three weeks at a Metro’s response. The response that Paratransit riders are people who we received from Metro’s manager are physically or mentally unable time without a single day off. of Access service was woefully to take a regular bus and so need inadequate, as you can see. As extra care that regular bus drivers far as we know, Access managers don’t have the time to give. Para- have not met to discuss any of our transit Drivers must pass training a health and safety concern for pas- SPT Paratransit Drivers wrote and suggestions. and skills tests well beyond those sengers, who may miss important signed a petition respectfully asking ATU 587 stands with our Para- of the Transit Operators of regular doctor appointments or medication Metro for help in solving problems transit Drivers and their riders. bus service. Paratransit Drivers t i me s, a nd who fi nd sp e nd i ng hou r s at Access. ATU 587 also met with We will work with our allies in receive special training in safe, on the van physically exhausting. Access riders represented by the the paratransit community to take sensitive handling of the elderly Access drivers regard this as a moral Residents Councils of Washington. whatever steps necessary to improve and disabled. Unlike regular tran- issue. They feel the passengers de- It immediately became clear that the Access program. We still hope sit, Paratransit Drivers often must serve better. Access riders and Access drivers that Metro will join us in those ef- aid their passengers to and from The Access system for scheduling share many of the same concerns. forts. We will not give up. their front doors, or hand them to and dispatching is highly stressed. In October, Local 587 brought another caregiver. Drivers must be On-time-performance is measured representatives from rider groups, The ATU 587 Paratransit Action gentle with delicate passengers, but by the times people are picked up, Metro, the King County Council, Committee Members are: Neal Saf- strong enough to help them if they not by the arrival times when people and Seattle Personal Transit together rin, Chair; Ninus Hopkins; David are unsteady. They must be patient actually get to their appointments. for a Paratransit Summit. Access D. Read; Linda Anderson and kind with people who move Extra rides are added into the driv- slowly or are sometimes confused. ers’ routes all day long, so that what Experience on the job helps. After may have been a tight schedule Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 2:50 PM a while, a driver will get to know at the start of the day quickly be- To: Sahm, Bob how to give special care for each of comes unrealistic and unworkable Subject: Suggested improvements for Paratransit Service the people on the van. If a passen- for passengers and Drivers alike. ger has dementia, and often tries to Schedulers and Dispatchers have Dear Mr. Sahm, get out of the seat, the experienced little choice but to continue to add driver will seat the passenger far in rides, even when Drivers ask On behalf of the ATU Local 587 the Paratransit Action Committee, from the door. Passengers with a for a break. The Dispatchers and I want to thank you again for attending our Paratransit Summit mental condition that may cause Schedulers themselves have unac- October 13, 2011. them to lash out with their arms ceptable working conditions, for need to be seated well apart from instance, sometimes being forced As you may recall, at the summit we provided you with some sug- someone who is frail. Some pas- to work over three weeks at a time gestions from Paratransit drivers, and from riders. These sugges- sengers who have no caregivers at without a single day off. tions (and questions) come directly from riders and drivers and have home receive a little extra kindness. There are no bathrooms for pas- not been vetted by ATU 587. We do not expect every suggestion The Paratransit Driver may be the sengers to use while on the vans, will be viable. However, we would like to know for each question, only human contact that person has and they must sometimes wait to be whether you consider it a good idea, whether it would be feasible to had in days. transferred to other Access vans at implement, and why or why not. Unfortunately, the drivers see a places without bathrooms or places lot of heart-breaking need. Many to sit down. No mechanisms are in We on the Paratransit Action Committee know that you care deeply of the passengers are in good situ- place to ensure that drivers are able about Paratransit and are committed to providing the best working ations and are well cared for, but to take their breaks as required by conditions for drivers and service for riders that Metro is able to not all. Some live alone without law. Drivers are not allowed to leave provide. We look forward to your response. help, but are physically unable to do passengers alone on the van, yet the much personal cleaning, or upkeep relentless scheduling of overlapping Sincerely, of their homes. Occasionally, pas- rides means that many hours go by Neal Safrin, Executive Board Officer and Paratransit Action Chair sengers cannot see well enough to before the driver can use a restroom. notice things like mold on the lunch Solving these problems has so far Bob Sahm’s response: they have made, or to realize they do not been easy. Subcontractors such not have their clothes on properly. as Seattle Personal Transit who try to Neal The drivers often step in to help provide excellent service are under with things like buttoning coats or pressure to meet pick-up quotas. I spoke with the representatives’ of the ridership at the meeting and picking up spilled groceries. They are under constant threat of suggested that they contact me (I provided my contact information) Despite a lower pay rate than losing their contracts to lowball bids and someone on my staff would meet with them and/or their orga- fixed route drivers, most Access based on cutting corners and over- nizations. I suggested this as most of the comments were not spe- drivers feel it is a joy and blessing to scheduling rides. Metro contends cific enough to develop a meaningful response. I also felt that our have a job where you can help people the Access program is working and quality assurance staff would welcome the opportunity to develop in this way. But the Paratransit Driv- that they do not have funding for additional connections in the community. ers at Metro’s Access program are major changes. Nevertheless, ATU frustrated. They told Local 587 that 587 believes significant improve- I believed that the way we left the driver concerns was that First Access is literally giving the pas- ments are possible and solutions Transit and Solid Ground management teams would meet to go over sengers the run-around. Drivers are must be found. the driver/system issues. I suggested during the meeting that First very concerned that they are forced In September 2011, ATU 587 spent Transit and Solid Ground develop a regular meeting schedule to to carry passengers far out of their a day listening to Paratransit Driv- work on this communication issue. way and that the passengers may ers at Seattle Personal Transit. The spend several hours on the van to Drivers had many practical sugges- Bob go relatively short distances. This is tions for improving the program. 5 June 2012 Letters to the Editor…

Weathering saved jobs. Are you willing to do up the paper and reading so many do this “on line.” (after all there are the same? negative things. major airlines who pick their work Challenging Times weekly and do it on line). Finally, let me say ‘thank you” to I am tired of you and our GM not In these challenging times, I feel Paul and your fellow Officers. Your being able to make a compromise I I can already hear people saying, we are very fortunate to have our experience, performance and fair- am just tired. So grow up reach a I don’t have a computer; well there President, Paul J. Bachtel and his ex- ness have helped us weather some compromise work things out like are computers at the bases. I don’t cellent Officers on our side. In spite very challenging times. Not only your actually interested in us in- know how to use a computer; Learn of our funding crisis, an economic have you earned the respect of the stead of pretending like you care (I did) or get someone to help you. recession and a directive from King membership, you have earned the so you have some ammo for bad County Council to cut costs, we were respect of the King County Council. naming some one. Or give me my The time and money that the able to avoid layoffs and get a very You have helped save bus service for money back and I will represent Union and King County could save fair contract! Much of the credit goes the public. As one of the 70%, I am myself. I am giving you one month wou ld be sig n i fica nt. For t hose who to our President and his team’s fair on your side! To you, I say “thank or I will start another petition to are thinking why I don’t offer a so- reasoned and cooperative approach you and keep up the good fight!” remove your union and get a proper lution on how to do this, well, I’m to the contract negotiations. The one in here that actually cares about just a bus driver and if I could write efficiencies we negotiated were the Sincerely, its people. You have one month Paul programs to do this I’d be working reason our King County Council Kenneth Edwin Brix, J. Batchel to show me you’re worth for Microsoft. enacted the $20 vehicle license fee Central Base Operator #3376 my interest and money. to temporarily fund us. I feel this By Richard Marchu is exactly the kind of leadership we Sincerely need to meet our next big hurdle, Troy E Francis long term and stable transit funding. Take This Union I don›t think we can truly ap- Terry Williams preciate the fortunate situation we And… are in without looking at the transit Picking in the During the 4th week of May, st companies around us. Pierce, Com- It has become apparent in the 21 Century Terry Williams passed away after munity and Kitsap have all suffered latest editions of the ATU587 that a battle with cancer. For those of devastating layoffs! Around the too much political mud-slinging you outside Vehicle Maintenance, Well it’s that time again. Time nation, the story is much the same. and bias bigotry has been stirred Terry is a former 587 member, and for drivers to make the “slog” to Publicly funded transit has been up. First off I would like to direct was promoted to Electronics Techni- central base for the “Pick”. Though hit very hard by this economy. The this comment directly to the Presi- cian Chief at the Component Supply this is not a waste of time it sure is ones that have survived have like us, dent of ATU 587. How dare you Sir, Center (CSC). I always enjoyed my a waste of money. taken an open minded approach to slander some one in such a way that dealings with Terry both personally contract negotiations. One that rec- and as a Union Representative. Terry is uncouth and childish. th ognizes the reality of this economy I’m in my 16 year with Metro was bright, caring, and a quality with 9 more to go to retire. Each time and the limitations of public fund- You owe The GM of First Transit a co-worker. I wish that I had known pick rolls around I have to ask my- ing. Thankfully, we’ve had the kind sincere Apology. You do not belittle Terry better and he will be much self if our Union and King County of leadership that has helped us be or go as far as to insult some one or missed! will ever move into the 21st Century one of the survivors! even try to assume what is going Clint DeVoss when it comes to “The Pick.” on when I have not seen you here Vehicle Maintenance As good as our Union leaders at First Transit not once. Not once Executive Board Officer It seems to me that someone are, it is up to us, the members, to have I seen you talking to anyone should be able to fig ure out a way to follow their recommendations. I here about any issues, if we were was very proud of our members and such a concern of yours. their 70%, first vote approval of the 2010 contract. We recognized the If our Issue was one of such pre- contract as a good fair deal under cedence and one that you needed the circumstances. Our yes votes sorted out. You would have reached ultimately saved jobs! To you, I say a compromise like and Adult. Or not “thank you and keep up the good left our building until the issue was fight!” As a laid off Steelworker resolved. Instead of retreating back (Bethlehem Steel ’91), I know all to your office and sitting writing too well the devastation a lay off meaningless articles is in wasted causes! It can even be life threaten- provoking manner. Your Union ing! And let’s not forget the Public. sir is a DRIVERS union, made for They saved the bus service they Transit Drivers Maintenance crews have so generously supported. To and Depots. those who voted no, you’re entitled to your opinion. However, 70% of Your Union is so backwards and your co workers made a fair, and incompetent that even complete in my opinion, unselfish vote that a simple task like up dating my address is next to impossible to ac- complish for them. I have updated Send In Your Opinions 6 times with my local union rep and have never received anything in the Letters/contributions must include printed mail, not even my union member names, signatures, work ID numbers, ad- ship card. Which oh surprise is dresses and phone numbers that can be still not here. I am tired of picking verified during working hours. Letters that cannot be validated will not be published. All articles/letters are subject to editing and should be limited to 1000 words or Celebrate less. Not all letters can be published due to Notice to all Readers space limitations. Cut off is the 15th of each month. Any submission from a member Views and opinions of Local 587 to the News Review deemed expressed in unprintable by the Recording Secretary News Review shall be forwarded to the Executive Board Flag Day for final decision to publish. Send letters to: articles are those Judy Young of the authors and News Review Editor not necessarily the c/o ATU Local 587 official position of 2815 Second Avenue, Suite 230 June 14th Seattle, WA 98121 Local 587 6 June 2012 “Putting the Movement Back in the Labor Movement”

By Chuck Lare, Atlantic Base Shop Steward

TU had a strong presence of in our own Washington state, the nearly 100 strong members ILWU members who faced down at the Labor Notes confer- freight trains and dumped their enceA in Chicago, May 4 – 6th. Close grain on the tracks—fearless. to 1,500 labor union participants from across the country attended Make-It-Fair: Hanley said that over 150 workshops, meetings and in 85 percent of U.S. cities, transit listened to speakers discuss how fares have gone up or service has to put the “movement back in the been cut. Hanley told the crowd, labor movement.” “We have to fight injustice and ATU International President somebody has to start it.” Hanley was a keynote speaker, In Detroit funding is being stated we as public employees are limited to “core services”— fire, under attack across the nation. The police and trash. Whereas transit, 1% wants to open our contracts social services and others are NOT and force take backs. He discussed considered to be core and could be how ATU is fighting transit cuts by continued on page 12 ATU International President addressing Labor Notes Conference attendees. partnering with community transit groups to create alliances to save and improve public transporta- tion in their communities. Hanley highlighted successful coalition campaigns in Baton, Rouge, LA; New Bedford and Fall River, MA; Pensacola, FL; and others. “We can not walk alone,” we must work together with our communi- ties, to defend the Working Class. “Fund-It, Fix-It and Make-It-Fair” resonating slogan from the Commu- nity Labor United, Boston, chaired the workshop, “Transit: Making Alliances for Good Public Services and Green Jobs.”

Fund-It: ATU Transportation Locals explained their effective campaigns to bust the “anti-tax” by calling to tax the 1% to fund the 99%’s public transportation. Illumi- nation of the $8M annual profits the company Veolia made in Pensacola Florida helped ATU Local 1395 to turn the public against Veolia when it was realized the French company Veolia profits/tax dollars could be better spent funding transit.

Fix-it: ATU International Presi- dent Hanley emphasized union of- ficers’ responsibility is not to move paper, but to move people, not to lead but teach others to lead. Workshops covered a full range of topics, nuts and bolts on aggres- sive grievance handling, bargaining table tactics, direct action, organiz- i ng f rom t he shop flo or a nd work i ng better with our communities. Fel- low Verizon worker and CWA Local 1101 organizer Ken Spatta spoke on the long road of reform inside his union, which culminated in a takeover of the local in the wake of last summer’s Verizon strike. The strike showed who the local’s real leadership was. With no warning, Spatta said, the local’s reform caucus put picketers on the street just a half hour after the national union called the strike. Reformers stepped up to captain picket lines and take extra shifts protesting at wireless stores. Workers spoke from across the country from those who occupied the Wisconsin State capitol to those 7 June 2012

Vice President Sepolen’s Report By Rick Sepolen A Letter From Tom

ive days of writer’s block ing chickens in urban areas where to build a coop using “recycled” or grip onto the roost better. Chick- and still no article. Then my there may be limited space for them used wood - but I found the extra ens seem to like roosting higher in friend Tom, who is an expert to run around. It’s also beneficial for time well worth it in how much the coop at night, so I positioned sentF me this little masterpiece. both your chickens and your lawn. money I saved! mine about 4 feet off the ground. The chicken droppings provide CHICKEN NEST BOXES The It’s basically an 8” wide board which Rick, great fertilizer and, by moving the suggested size for chicken nest boxes angles up from the floor to the roost So you’re thinking about build- coop often, the chickens get access to is 15” wide, 15” high and 11 1/8”. This with some make shift “steps” nailed ing a chicken coop but don’t want new bugs and fresh grass. Plus, you can vary to a certain extent. My nest on and spaced every 6” or so. to spend a fortune on coop plans don’t have to worry about cleaning boxes are about 2” smaller than this THE CHICKEN FEEDER/WA- and building materials? I didn’t up the droppings! and work just fine. You can fill your TER CONTAINER Farm stores want to spend much either and boxes with straw or place some type carry a nice selection of chicken found a free coop design on the THINGS TO CONSIDER of padding down on the bottom so feeders and water containers but internet that I could build myself. Dimensions: Each chicken re- the eggs won’t crack when they lay. they are rather expensive. I made a How you design your coop will de- quires 3 to 4 square feet of space. I started off with 8 chickens and 5 gallon feeder and waterer using pend on your needs. If you are plan- I would suggest making it a little made a nest box for each chicken. It two 5 gallon buckets and two 20” ning to have a small flock and want bigger than you need. turns out they all used the same 2 plastic planter bases. The 5 gallon to build a smaller coop, you may CHICKEN COOP MATERI- nest boxes for laying eggs! I’ve even feeder, after filling it with feed, will want to consider a portable chicken ALS Chicken coops can be made seen 3 chickens in the same nest box last about 3 weeks for 13 chickens. coop. These so called “chicken trac- from almost anything. Find a at the same time - therefore, you To make the Chicken feeder - drill tors” often do not have floors and couple of businesses which sell don’t need to make too many boxes. several 1 1/2” holes about a half inch can be moved every few days or used or scrap lumber. This worked CHICKEN ROOSTS A 2” by 4” from the bottom of the bucket. Next, weeks from one part of your lawn nicely for my 4’x 8’ coop. I found or 2” by 2” board works nicely as a place the bucket in the bottom of the to another so the grass does not get used windows and unused shingles roost. I used a 2 x 4 and rounded off plant base. Keep the lid, you’ll need trampled down. This is ideal for rais- there. It takes extra time and TLC the edges allowing the chicken to it. Make sure the bucket is centered then screw it in place using 3 or 4 screws until it is secure. That’s it! just pour in the feed and put the lid on and you’ve got 5 gallons worth of feed. This will hold roughly 20 lbs of feed. I place my feeder on top of 2 concrete blocks - chickens are sloppy eaters and this helps prevent feed spillage. For the water container, drill one or two 1/4” holes near the bucket’s base placing them about 1” from the bottom. Make sure the hole does not lie above the rim of the planter base to prevent spillage. DEEP LITTER METHOD You’ll also have to consider if you’re going to clean out the droppings on a regu- lar basis or if you’ll want to use the “deep litter” method, which is less maintenance. With the deep litter method, you essentially have 4-8” of wood (pine) shavings, or other bedding on the floor of the coop. Every few days you’ll want to use a rake to stir the droppings on the top into the bedding underneath. The chickens do this on their own, but you’ll want to rake it in a bit deeper and more evenly across the whole floor. The bedding/droppings will begin to decompose underneath. As this happens, the odor is minimal. You really only need to clean the entire coop out once or twice a year and the rich compost can be used in your garden. This should get your retirement off with minimal effort. Have a good time and call me if you have any more questions.

Your friend in poultry, Tom.

A nd so ends my fi na l subm ission to the Newsletter and while I could have expounded on so many labor issues and thanked so many people I found myself getting a bit choked up no matter the subject. So, remember the following: Read the contract; join COPE; make each day matter; love one another and don’t call me – I’ve retired. 8 June 2012

Vice President MacAdam’sBy Don MacAdam Report

There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim to accomplish things. The first group is less crowded. ~M.Twain

ell, it looks like my plan and layoffs. I found those 10 souls you promises and say “trust me”… my retirement…and that I was too worked…I made just who were laid off new jobs with a Good luck with that! old & going to retire while in office enough people angry to pay raise; demanded to bargain all Ahh! Maintenance who eat their and double dip! However, if that Wlose the election by 3 votes! I did changes in working conditions and young and bite the hand that feeds were true the Union would save a not want to go out with only 25…I policy changes for the first time. I them! Had I known that success was couple thousand a month as they wanted a squeaker. With less than also cut wasted detail time and with not required, it would have made would not have to pay my medical a 50% return of the ballot I do not my own expense account saved the the job much easier. Now that my benefits & such. (How gullible can see this as a mandate. As I have Union several thousand $$s to help replacement and Metro are aware you be?) always told you the truth I will tell boost our reserves for the coming of the V.P.#2 job description, things Being the first V.P.#2 for main- you this, as the First V.P. of Mainte- storm. I changed office procedures will move a lot faster in negotia- tenance was a mixed bag. Had I nance, I was the groundbreaker for to help the Union office work better tions. All that is now necessary is known what this job entailed I work and responsibilities and duty. and make our grievance informa- just show up, detail all your friends never would have run in the first I did not want to run for a second tion more useful. The Wednesday and spend all the Union’s money place. My life has been on hold for term, but as I was aware of the, let’s maintenance Union meeting was you can! You can pretend you’re a three years, but what doesn’t kill say “shortcomings” of some of the added; increased communications congressman! While I was working you… The experience forced me to candidates, I felt it my duty to run within Maintenance and added the on your behalf, the “do nothings” do things I did not think I could on your behalf. Man was I wrong! “Rumor Mill”; for the first time a along with the “kool aid drinkers” do. I feel I grew into this position, I was directly responsible and Maintenance representative negoti- and “self-styled attorneys” were was fully trained and planned to settled more maintenance arbitra- ated and signed off on maintenance constantly sniping and making up double my accomplishments as well tions and at a lower cost to each agreements. Plus, I did a lot to help illusionary problems for their own as demand excellence in our Main- member than ever before; made out Maintenance in Port Angeles. benefit. They told you they knew tenance representation the second more contract improvements than I did all this with the help of the how to do it the right way! But, when term. When you realize that 850+ ever before; had three M.O.A.s that full-time officers as the V.M. board they were in charge or could assist maintenance members are looking provided a better work schedule, officers could not work together or us, nothing was accomplished. They at you to protect them and their benefits and training safe guards took their “duty” to you seriously are now very happy that their past families with the Union contract & than ever before and helped our by either ignorance or design. I tried failures will be covered up by the labor laws it is quite sobering. There employer as well as benefitting us, to encourage and work with them, new inaction that may be coming. is no one else to blame…you are a nd for t he fi r st t i me we cou ld c a nc el but they knew it all and would not You’ll no longer have to hear how it. If someone is fired, you have to them if we wished to; cleared out listen. Now, one of them will oper- successful I have been on your decide if you can save them or not. about 175 old M.O.A.s.; protected ate from the office of the V.P.#2 and behalf. And yea! Metro wants to If you screw it up and the Union is you from manager’s seniority if will be in charge of your wages and go back to the old way also. Metro sued, we’re outta business. I will no they get laid off; filed and settled working conditions…I hope they is so happy they are probably al- longer have to wake up at 3:00 a.m. and won more grievances than do a better job there than they did ready arguing over the size of their worrying about if I made a mistake ever before; stopped discipline be- with your shake ups! As I look at Christmas bonus! I guess this was regarding someone’s job. I’d think, fore it happened which protected my list of accomplishments, it is the “ranting part” my opposition “Well can’t sleep, might as well go more members than ever before. obvious why I was voted out, you complained about, but it’s true! to the Union office and get back We maintained & increased our did not want accomplishments or Legally It is o.k. for them to lie and to work.” Only to bump into the cost of living to 95%, a pay raise better working conditions, you only make up stuff. I was surprised to president who was already there. I while others are taking pay cuts wanted someone who would make find out that I had already planned continued on page 11 Dear Don Response to

Dear Don MacAdam: of a leader. With that being said, I struggle month after month with Dear Don Hi, I am a Local 587 Member in your choice to use the Union paper VM. I come to work every day, do as a playground. Your ability to my job the best that I can and then sound like a 12 year old bully on the was aware that being honest tool” at my disposal to help the I go home. playground actually disgusts me, would most likely send me maintenance membership. I have I enjoy choosing not to include you must have kids. I assume you back to the shop floor. That is come up with things that have never myself in any he said she said, have children because you sound Ithe price of integrity sometimes. I been tried before. The News articles d ra ma, non s en s e or fi nger poi nt i ng , like my 13 year old daughter, “He just will not lie to people. When I were a carefully designed tool to etc. The freedom of this choice is said, then l said, then he told me to... started as V.P. for maintenance, my accomplish what was needed. Some quite relaxing and it makes it very blah...blah.” What does writing this a r t ic le s wer e a f fi r m i ng of ou r Un ion of you are aware and thankful of easy for me to continue to live by do to positively impact our Union’s Members capacity for intelligence, what the articles accomplished and my motto, “Arrive to work on time, brothers and sisters? Can you tell me character & skill. It does not take I will not divulge those secrets now. work my shift and then go home”. why you choose to waste my time long before you realize that we are As people are different, some hated My definition of a leader could having me read such useless trash? not at “Disneyland” and Metro has the articles and some could not get be described in a few sentences and I really don’t lose or gain any sleep killed all the fuzzy bunnies and enough. I received complaints and would include words such as mature, hearing your thoughts on John Mar- unicorns and sprayed defoliant on applause from mangers as well. strong, professional, ethical, positive, cell, or anyone else for that matter. It the green rolling hills. However, the Union membership honest and perhaps even fair. is very unprofessional. You should As your first V.P., I was “all in” I benefitted which was important, not I hesitate to use the word fair be- be embarrassed. I would think you did not ask for any “quarter” from what Metro or some union members cause my Dad always taught me that would be more interested in utiliz- Metro so I did not have to give any thought of the V.P.. And, yes, I was life isn’t and won’t be fair. Neverthe- ing your portion of the Union paper either. I could have worked out aware his name was misspelled. I less, since someone in your capacity for topics that actually matter. a sweet deal so that I could have have also been told that he is check- is being paid to make decisions that Perhaps you could use your por- had it real easy until I retired! But ing “all” the bathrooms at E.M. for affect others, I think it would be tion writing something that serves that integrity thing was in the way union members absent from their just to request fairness as a quality continued on page 11 again. ANYWAY…I used “every continued on page 11 9 June 2012

The Financial Secretary’s Report By Paul Neil Executive Board Turnover

e are now nearing the end one other might be leaving. This will such as grievances, arbitrations and the Congestion Relief Tax ($20 car of the current three-year mean a great deal of learning for picks. The next three years promise tab) expires. If we do not get the officer term which ends on the new officers and also for those to be challenging also. legislature to approve some sort of JuneW 30 and the beginning of another changing roles. The biggest and most obvious revenue increase or the voters turn it on July 1. Of the current 18 Executive All three-year officer terms have issue in the next three years is down, we will face many unpleasant Board members, nine will be leaving their own unique challenges. Dur- funding for King County/METRO consequences. completely from Union office plus ing the term ending we had one full- Transit which affects not only those I want to thank all of those leav- one, Michael Moore, who is changing t i me of ficer re sig n a nd a not her pa s s in the METRO Transit bargaining ing Union office for their service to from being a Transit Operator Rep. to away (Randy Stevenson R.I.P.), an unit but also those employed at First the membership and welcome to the Minority Affairs Officer. This means econom ic c r isis t hat has had sig n ifi- Transit and Seattle Personal Transit new officers. half the next board will be completely cant negative consequences for all (SPT). Although sales tax revenue is Below is the report I presented new to Union office. Of the five full three of the agencies our members improving it is not nearly enough to at the May cycle of membership time, two are leaving for sure and work for, plus all the routine issues keep service at present levels once meetings.

Financial Secretary’s May 2012 Membership Meeting Report

New Member Applications $250,562.79 which is an increase of $6,593.15 or other expenses are up 117,023.89 or 15.6% and submitted to the 2.7% compared to last April. t he defic it i s $51,786. 58 t h i s yea r ver su s a su r plu s Per Capita payments totaled $58,422.18 for of $116,353.94 last year. ATU International in April: the month which is an increase of $1,316.08 or In the month of April 2012, we reported 11 2.3% over the same period last year. My activities for the month: new members to the ATU International. Three Other bills for payroll, rent, legal, etc totaled Conducted work site visits at S. Facilities, are at First Transit and 8 are at King County/ $193,923.52 which is an increase of $12,606.55 LINK, SLU Streetcar, SPT and South Base Op- METRO. This brings our total active member- or 7.0% over last April. $7,600.00 of the increase erations, VM and CSC. ship to 4111. This is a decrease of 31 members is due to paying rent when we paid none last Worked on the Centennial Celebration, this compared to this time last year when we had year. This amounts to a deficit of $1,782.91 for was a big success. 4142 active members. the month compared to a surplus of $5,546.57 On April 4, I attended and spoke at the Oc- Bills: for April 2011. cupy Transit rally. As of the end of April, the figures for this year Signed up 2 PT Operator classes at KC Metro All financial figures are subject to the review compared to last are: Income is down $61,298.30 as well as signed up a group of new VM hires. of the Executive Board. In April total income was or 5.6%, per capita’s are up $952.70 or 0.4%, all On April 10, I chaired the Clallam Transit LRC. Labor and Employment Relations (L.E.R.A.) Conference

By Clint DeVoss, Vehicle Maintenance Executive Board Officer

hen your Officers attend is that attendees have a wide range term, have now attended this or a The more knowledge our union a workshop, conference of workshops to attend that cover prior conference for training. collectively has, the better off we are! or seminar one of the at- different topics, that the individual tendeesW is suppose to write a short may want to learn about. This year report (300 word) for submission to many of the topics revolved around the Union newspaper. These reports negotiating and bargaining along often do not get done, and I have with the normal fare of updates to been just as guilty as everyone else the goings on at the Federal Me- for not writing about my participa- diation and Conciliation Service TRANSIT WORKERS tion in events. This requirement is (FMCS), PERC and the NLRB. We not that everyone that attends an were treated to a workshop pre- event, needs to write a report, just sented by one of our labor attorneys, that someone does. Cliff Freed, titled “Grievance, Gripe, ENDORSE The annual two day Labor and or U LP ”. Employment Relations Conference This conference gives folks the is held in Seattle and is about just opportunity to learn about basic and what the title implies; the interac- not so basic labor related subjects of LEGISLATORS tion between employees (or their interest so that they can return to union), and employers. The confer- their company or union with a better ence usually starts with a keynote skill set. This year our union sent speaker, this year Ron Sims spoke many of the new executive board WHO VOTE about the advantages to having officers, so that they could have a a working relationship with the basic understanding of some of the unions that represent King County issues that they will have to work employees, Mr. Sims gave a dynamic with and give them some tools PRO TRANSIT and motivating speech that was well to solve problems. All of the new received by all. Facilities and Vehicle Maintenance The best part of this conference executive board officers, for next 10 June 2012

VP MacAdam’s Dear Don, continued

Report, continued a purpose, rather than picking on be getting excited to make a return you invest so much of your time people who are in no position to bac k to t he shop flo or, i n wh ic h c a s e, engrossed by his actions. pick back. I can’t help but think I’m good luck there too! would not change any of the deci- not the only one with these similar O n a fi n a l note, Ma rcel l i s sp el led Sincerely, sions I made while in office if I had concerns. Why would the V.P. of our with two l’s. At least be respectful King Jackson it to do over again except for the Union spend time verbally putting enough to spell the guy’s name cor- A very disappointed Local 587 dismal shake up record (but now down others, regardless of their rectly. It’s weird that you don’t know Member that’s the Recording Secretary’s job.) professional title? Why doesn’t our how to spell his name by now, since Having been the brunt of V.P. want to utilize his time trying Metro “hospitality” for so many to make a difference and represent years, I enjoyed making our dismal, his fellow brothers and sisters with continued dirty, noisy world better! Saving dignity and respect? I would love Response, someone from a lousy manager nothing more than the answers to and letting Metro know that if they those questions. work areas. (Twilight zone theme gullible and do not know what or persisted, we would not be the only One more thing, I have done a plays here.) how the union has worked to protect one who would bleed; winning as bit of research on my own being So, I hope I did not bump you out them. But, all of you will be citing many grievances as I could one at that you like to reveal the worst of a spot by my return or keep you in grievances and enjoying the good a time; and, watching Metro get base every month, again which is from getting a summer or Christ- changes, job protection and pay caught like a deer in the headlights a waste of time and print and does mas vacation. While all are entitled increases which we (I) were able to in arbitrations by our top notch, nothing positive. I found it to be to their opinion, it is a shame that accomplish for you while I was your real good attorneys was enjoyable. almost unanimous whose name is you never called to complain or ask V.P. of maintenance. Please feel free Some of you know that I bought a given when asking others to reveal, why I was doing this or that. Why to stop by the A.M. inspection pits bulletproof vest soon after I was in their opinion, the worst V.P. Good is it necessary to send a letter to on day shift and say Hi! elected; there was a reason for that. luck in the upcoming elections, I’m everyone but me? It is also a shame So, someone else can have that part guessing you’ll need it. You must that so many in maintenance are Vice President MacAdam of the job. If I had any gifts to use, it was my ability to see into the future at Metro. In fact I started writing this article about 3 months ago. Before I leave office, I will try to remove all the items that troubled you from the contract, my going away gift to you, a secret M.O.A. like the good old days. (maybe I’ll make chief?) There were many more things that I wanted to accomplish for you before leaving office, but that will not happen. As a shop steward, V.M. Board. Officer for over 17 years and as your V.P., my service to this Union has been over 27 years, and during that time Maintenance has always done well. When I’m out of office not much seems to get done and things deteriorate. To some of you I can say, “If ignorance is bliss…there should be more happy people (M.T.) in maintenance!” And to others, I will remind you that “ignorance and apathy are the greatest threats to your Union” I leave a full list of items to be taken care of and many grievances to be won and issues to be bargained. I hope to be able to use my new union & job expertise in ot her fields so as not to waste all my training and experience. Because I worked so very hard on your behalf, I feel that you will notice the differ- ence when I am gone; then again, probably not. Good Luck! Before I sign off there is the most important person to thank, that you have not heard of. She has been part of the drama that has played out at metro over the decades. The most recent drama played out while I stayed at her side in the Emergency room a year ago while I was being attacked by worthless union mem- bers at the evening meeting that I was forced to miss so that I could care for her. To my lovely wife I would like to say that I would not have lasted 6 months in my new V.P. position without your constant care and en- couragement, not to mention editing all my articles and your prayers. She is the main reason for my success and sanity which has benefited all at Local 587. Thank you Sweetie! You’re the greatest! P.S. I do not plan to disappear. I will maintain my web site, send e-mails, and distribute publications as needed …in solidarity, of course. www.vp2donmacadam.com 11 June 2012

“Putting the Movement Back in the Labor Movement,”continued

outsourced in the “interest” of “sav- the minute they signed-in. In actu- The “ask the experts” section of grieveances and arbitration, union ing” money. When the Chicago ATU ality the 10 minutes of paid time is the conference, gave attendees time democracy and your rights to con- Local’s contract expired at the end of to check their steering and brakes. to buttonhole lawyers for advice on front your accuser in Customer last year, members were pilloried in Well guess what, those riding the paid meal periods being received by Complaint charges. the newspapers for the unimagined bus want their bus to have steering other Locals around the country, Transportation workers were luxury of having a paid coffee break AND brakes. guaranteed Rest Periods, winning well represented from across the country advocating for the reform of their unions—building Shop Floor participation, organizing for POWER through Shop Steward Councils. Teamsters for a Demo- Retirees’ Barbeque cratic Union (TDU), emphasized the necessity to “Organize for Power” and organizing/running for Local/ International office (ref.http://www. tdu.org/store/product/running-local- union-office). New York Transit Workers Union (TWU) Local 100 discussed their No Zip Loc Bag campaign. TWU members posted on YouTube, an Operator with a zip loc bag filled with apple juice and paper towels—raising visibility on Operators not having adequate access to the restroom. Railroad Workers United spoke of the need to end the leadership by a few highly paid officials with jobs-for-life and in place, build unions of inspired, educated and active members—de- fending our jobs and our unions. The many chokepoints in the fragile network of transportation - places power in the hands of work- ers at different links in the chain. When workers build strong connec- tions across different industries and u n ion s t h i s power c a n b e mag n i fied to create good jobs, with wages and benefits that can support families and communities. ATU members could not be missed in our conspicuous orange “OCCUPY TRANSIT” T-shirts, nearly 100 strong.

President’s Report, continued

of Unfair Labor Practice charges to finalize the agreement in a writ- should and will be doing all in our ing a meeting is not possible or including one that addresses a ten memorandum of agreement. power to have this work brought in practical, I’m also willing to meet complaint in the letter to the editor First Transit’s General Manager house. Representing First Transit at a time and place of convenience regarding First Transit’s refusal to then refused to sign what she had employees is just the first step in to First Transit members. All one allow Local 587 sufficient access to previously agreed to and demanded that process. needs to do is call to make such an the workplace. further concessions from the Union. Until we either negotiate or liti- appointment. As you can see under I’ve agreed to again meet with That type of conduct is known as gate better access to First Transit’s “Base Visits,” I schedule visits to First Transit’s General Manager in “Bad Faith Bargaining,” and is to worksite, the best option for First various worksites every month. The hopes of reaching settlement on at say the least, unprofessional, and Transit members is to attend one only reason I haven’t been able to least some issues short of litigation. what is likely to be, a sustainable of our monthly meetings. Local 587 schedule a visit to First Transit is In his letter to the editor our Unfair Labor Practice complaint. In hold s five mont h ly u n ion me e t i ng s, the lack of cooperation from the member asks why I haven’t visited light of First Transit’s Seattle General three of which are held in Seattle: General Manager. his workplace. In fact, I have, on a Manager’s behavior, how one could one in the evening; followed the number of occasions, visited First view my actions as unprofessional, next day by a morning meeting; In solidarity, Transit. I have also been detailing uncouth, or childish is beyond me? and then an afternoon meeting Paul J. Bachtel the Executive Board Officer elected Unfair Labor Practice complaints the following week. Our meeting President / Business to directly represent the interests are being prepared to address this schedule is posted on the second Representative of First Transit members twice Bad Faith Bargaining. page of this newsletter. If attend- monthly to visit First Transit (more In his letter to the editor, our than any other worksite). Unfortu- member contends he has made nately, First Transit management has several attempts to have his address relegated our Union Representative changed with the Union with no WORK SITE VISITS to a backroom and won’t allow him success. Apparently he never called direct access to employees. This is the Union office as the staff of Local Paul Bachtel, President, and Paul Neil, Financial Secretary, not only a contract violation it’s also 587 doesn’t recall hearing from him. will be visiting various work sites during the month of an Unfair Labor Practice which I A nd fi n a l ly, i n h i s le t ter to t he ed i- intend to pursue. tor our member suggests that Local June. Below is a list of times, dates and locations. In his letter to the editor, our 587 is a “DRIVERS union, made for June 18th Bellevue Operations 4:00 am – 6:30 am member suggests I should refuse Transit Drivers Maintenance crews and Monday Bellevue Vehicle Maintenance 6:30 am – 7:00 am to leave his building until issues in Depots.” In fact, Local 587 represents contention are resolved. I see that workers in well over 100 different job tactic as unproductive. In my April c la s si fic at ion s, ma ny of whom work June 19th East Operations 4:00 am – 6:30 am President’s report I detailed how I in occupations similar to those at Tuesday East Vehicle Maintenance 6:30 am – 7:00 am went about negotiating a settlement First Transit. We are by far the best to a work assignment issue with First local to represent workers at First June 20th North Facilities 5:30 am – 6:15 am Transit’s General Manager, brought Transit. The work being performed Wednesday the settlement back to our Executive by First Transit is subcontracted Board for approval, then attempted King County Metro work and we 12