OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION | AFL-CIO/CLC

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2014

- SEE PAGE 17 - PROPOSED REFERENDUM COULD SAVE KING COUNTY, WA, JOBS INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS LAWRENCE J. HANLEY International President JAVIER M. PEREZ, JR. NEWSBRIEFS International Executive Vice President OSCAR OWENS DebtLife Stadium International Secretary-Treasurer Peyton Manning and his Broncos lost the Super Bowl in New Jersey, INTERNATIONAL VICE PRESIDENTS but the real losers are New Jersey taxpayers. Why? The New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which operates MetLife Stadium LARRY R. KINNEAR Ashburn, ON – [email protected] is more than $800 million in debt from unwise spending, projects way over budget and politicians who used it as a giant patronage RICHARD M. MURPHY Newburyport, MA – [email protected] mill. And it’s the citizens of New Jersey who will be paying for BOB M. HYKAWAY decades for this big fat political fumble. Calgary, AB – [email protected] WILLIAM G. McLEAN Reno, NV – [email protected] First Student memo exposes worker rewards JANIS M. BORCHARDT for cutting corners Madison, WI – [email protected] PAUL BOWEN A “secret” corporate memo which told First Student managers in Canton, MI – [email protected] St. Louis that if they cut corners and reduced costs, they would KENNETH R. KIRK receive a payout or bonus was exposed by school bus drivers Lancaster, TX – [email protected] during a news investigation. Concerned about student safety, GARY RAUEN Clayton, NC – [email protected] drivers said the memo was at “the root of all the dangerous problems” including breakdowns and bad brakes. “It’s clear MARCELLUS BARNES Flossmore, IL – [email protected] profits come before safety at First Student,” says ATU International President Larry Hanley. “It RAY RIVERA also raises significant questions about the impact of all the cost cutting that is happening in this Lilburn, GA – [email protected] safety sensitive industry. What exactly are we saving as we demand discount public services?” YVETTE SALAZAR Thornton, CO – [email protected] GARY JOHNSON, SR. Route cuts to blame for declining Cleveland, OH – [email protected] Ottawa ridership ROBIN WEST Halifax, NS – [email protected] Sweeping cuts and changes to OC Transpo from a couple of years JOHN COSTA ago are finally catching up and resulting in lower ridership levels. In Kenilworth, NJ – [email protected] 2011, the “route optimization,” as OC Transpo called it, saw routes CHUCK WATSON reduced, merged with others and longer walks to bus stops as part Syracuse, NY – [email protected] of a plan to save upwards of $20 million a year. The result was CLAUDIA HUDSON less ridership with 97.8 million passenger trips in 2013, down from Oakland, CA – [email protected] 103 million in 2011. Local 279-Ottawa, ON, has said the city should not be surprised ridership went BRUCE HAMILTON down because of the economic decisions made by the city. New York, NY – [email protected] MICHELLE SOMMERS Brooklyn Park, MN – [email protected] INTERNATIONAL OFFICERS EMERITUS INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES ANTHONY WITHINGTON International President Jim La Sala, ret. Sebastopol, CA – [email protected] International President Warren George, ret. DENNIS ANTONELLIS Spokane, WA – [email protected] International Executive Vice President Ellis Franklin, ret. International Executive Vice President Mike Siano, ret. STEPHAN MACDOUGALL Boston, MA – [email protected] ANTHONY GARLAND Subscription: USA and Canada, $5 a year. Single copy: 50 cents. All others: $10 a year. Published bimonthly by the Washington, DC – [email protected] Amalgamated Transit Union, Editor: Shawn Perry, Designer: 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. PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40033361.RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES CANADIAN DIRECTOR TO:APC Postal Logistics, LLC, PO Box 503, RPO, West Beaver Creek, Richmond Hill ON L4B 4R6. MICHAEL MAHAR Rexdale, ON - [email protected] IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 3 LARRY HANLEY, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT

20 million riders cannot be ignored

You should start feeling it in bus depots and garages all volunteer in a campaign to pass a transit referendum over the U.S. and Canada – we are moving, fighting on the ballot in April. There the issue of raising taxes back, and saying, “Hey, we’re here, and we have something for transit will determine the job security of 500 important to say!” members and service security of tens of thousands of riders. We are moving local members to action in every corner of the Union, and the members involved love it.

Trainings have started or been planned everywhere from False sense of security New England to Seattle, and from Ontario to the Bay Area All over our two countries the attacks keep coming. In of California. some places there is a false sense of security where members think, “It can’t happen here.” Trust me, bad things do Current campaigns happen to good people and good communities. Across the U.S. and Canada transit riders and workers We do this while we also have ten major campaigns at have been the “Rodney Dangerfields” of public service. We some level of development, which include: don’t get no respect – no respect at all. • 1287 We are working with Local to fight privatization Here’s your chance to change that. We have declared May in Kansas City, MO, and we continue to struggle 2014 International Transit Month: against privatization with Local 732, in Atlanta, as well. We are asking every member to join in events in your town or city during the month of May. We will be reaching out • We pushed back and won a reprieve from privatization to the riders – our natural allies – to stand with us for 1145 with Local , in Binghamton, NY. better transit. • 689 1764 Washington, DC, Locals and get it, and We will send a message that 20 million riders can’t be are building a campaign to get big community ignored. support for a fair transit system. Our voices must be raised in all our cities. Are you IN? v • In New York City, Local 1181 is hammering away every day to get 2,000 members back to work after Please visit www.atu.org for more information and the former Mayor Bloomberg gutted their contracts and latest ATU news. job security. Despite success in court, we have not yet gotten corrective action from the new progressive mayor, Bill de Blasio.

• As you read this thousands of ATU members in Local 587 in Seattle are being trained and called upon to

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 3 JAN/FEB 2014 CONTENT Vol. 123, No. 1 15 ATU, Residents Assail Possible Outsourcing in Binghamton, NY Marketing Strategy for Privatizer National Express: Cut Driver Wages 16 Lack of Milwaukee Public Transit Highlights Nation’s Jobs Issues US DOT Secretary: ‘Buses Provide Access to Jobs’ 17 Proposed Referendum Could Save King County, WA Jobs ATU KICKS OFF ‘SPRING TRAINING’ 10 18 Driving a Bus Is Hazardous to Your Health Justice, Safety for Women Transport Workers 2 International Officers & General Executive Board Goal of New Global Campaign 19 Above and Beyond: Less Fortunate have hero NEWS Briefs in Camden local’s ‘Momma G’ 3 International President’s Message: ATU ‘Angel’: Unidentified Winnipeg Member Saves 20 Million Riders Cannot Be Ignored Woman from Dangerous Cold Weather 4 Index Page 20 New Transit Construction Booming, While 5 International Executive Vice President’s Systems Face Budget Woes Message: Consider, if you will, the following... 21 ATU Hero: Alert Boston Service Agent Helps Save Commuter’s Life 6 International Secretary-Treasurer’s Message: Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014 Bad Streetcars are Bad Transit Needed to Preserve the Right to Vote 22 Greyhound Driver Viciously Attacked 7 Canadian Agenda: NDP Transport Critic Suspect in Brutal Beating of Tri-Met Driver Olivia Chow Backs Driver Fatigue Legislation Released Pending Trial 8 Ontario Liberal Government Under Fire 23 Hanley Joins National, Minnesota Leaders to Push for Transit Equity Proposed Cuts to AB Public Sector Pensions Called ‘Unjustified, eckless,R Unfair’ Vancouver Members Fight Back Against Driver Assault 9 Letter to the Editor: Plymouth Pres Reveals Little-Known Fact About US Pro Sports Leagues 24 85 People Own As Much As Entire Bottom Half of World Little-Publicized NTSB Report Backs ATU Driver Reward Offered in Reopened Murder Case of Fatigue Warnings Retired Norfolk, VA Local President 11 Kansas City, MO Transit Workers Fight Outsourcing Gainesville, FL Members Declare Impasse Transit Workers, Riders Applaud Bill to Modernize 25 Bible saves Dayton bus driver in disturbing gang Voting Rights Act initiation shooting 12 Rochester, MN Transit Workers Ratify International Mourns Death of Retired IVP Joe Welch Strong Contract 26 Thunder Bay Transit Workers Ratify Deal, ATU Scores Organizing Wins Avert Strike 13 Report Reveals Bloomberg School Bus Plan Toronto Transit Sick Note Policy Challenged Would Cost NYC Millions 27 Translations (Spanish) 14 ‘Poor Mouth’ Portland Agency Gives Managers 30 In Memoriam Big Raises 31 Edmonton, AB: Transit Priorities Found in the Portland President ‘disheartened’ by ‘Eye of the Beholder’ Tri-Met Audit Report Halifax Drivers Worried About Tires in Winter Weather Former US Transportation Secretary Urges 10¢ Gas Tax Increase 32 It’s Only Fair...

4 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 5 JAVIER PEREZ, JR., INTERNATIONAL EXEC. VICE PRESIDENT

Consider, if you will, the following…

bus operator pulls into the company parking lot. An control system. Ainfrared beam scans the license plate and compares it to a computerized list of authorized vehicles. The pre- From this point on the operator’s only responsibility is to assigned parking space registers that he has parked in the drive the bus on route and on time. correct spot. Next a mechanic – an Iraqi war veteran – pulls into the When he reaches the trainmen’s room, the operator taps parking lot. Her license plate is scanned; she taps her ID, his wallet containing his ID on an automatic reader, which and places her hand on the fitness for duty pod. identifies him, opens the elevator door, and grants him Now she turns from the window prepared for work. access to a designated floor. At the dispatcher’s window a computer records the time he arrives, and saves it to his The Snap-On-Tool van pulls into the lot. The mechanic personnel file. Had he not been on time his name would looks inside and sees a strange looking glove with a small have flashed as an exception on the dispatcher’s screen. “whatcha-ma-call-it” attached to the palm. The salesperson inserts the blade of a screwdriver in it, closes his hand and The operator places his hand on a special rectangular the blade whirs into action. The salesperson opens his “fitness for duty” pod on the window. The dispatcher reads hand and the blade stops. The salesperson hands her the the blood pressure, and the levels of cholesterol, glucose, glove and beckons her to check it out. She is amazed at alcohol and other drugs in his system. No exceptions in the amount of dexterity it allows, and that it requires no these levels are noted. The operator proceeds to the bus batteries. storage area.

The future is made in the present Computer performs several tasks You LAUGH! You say this will never happen? But, the The operator taps his ID card on the automatic reader technology exists today. on the fare box in the bus, which sets its computer in motion performing several tasks. Instantly the operator’s The future is where we will live the rest of our lives. The seat and mirrors self adjust to his preset comfort and safety future is made in the present. What will we need to know positions, the radio is set, and the fare box keys itself in. to do our jobs in the future? What are we going to do to Finding one tire’s air pressure a tad low the bus inflates it insure it’s the future we want? v with air from the bellows. It checks fluid levels – but a human may still have to top off the oil if needed. Please visit www.atu.org for more information and the Pulling into the yard, the operator checks three small video latest ATU news. screens on the dash displaying blind spots that can now be seen due to rear and side mounted cameras. The bus windows self-adjust to natural light to protect occupants from the UV rays of the sun and aid the vehicle’s climate

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 5 OSCAR OWENS, INTERNATIONAL SECRETARY-TREASURER Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014 needed to preserve the right to vote

here has always been a connection between the U.S. These laws virtually guarantee that citizens without Tcivil rights movement and buses. a driver’s license – people who ride buses – will find it difficult, if not impossible to vote. And that’s how persons In 1955, Rosa Parks’ defiance of laws that required African- of color, persons with disabilities, and seniors will be Americans to sit in the back of the bus helped set the civil disenfranchised in the 21st Century if nothing is done. rights movement in motion.

In 1961, the Freedom Riders risked their lives by riding Integrity? in mixed racial seating arrangements on intercity buses throughout segregated states, and entered stations together Oh, they say it has nothing to do with racism – just to move the civil rights agenda forward. ensuring the integrity of our election process. Sounds reasonable, doesn’t it? In 1963, buses brought thousands of people to the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC, to hear Dr. Martin Luther Well, they had “reasonable reasons” for segregation in King, Jr., deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech. 1955 too – but the system was still racist and immoral. No one should be fooled by reasonable sounding words that have the effect of denying anyone their basic rights. Voting rights pass Voter ID laws are just as racist and immoral today as After years of struggle Congress passed the Voting Rights literacy tests for voting were during segregation. Act of 1965 – a law that prohibited discrimination in This is why a new bill, The Voting Rights Amendment Act of voting – one of the hallmark achievements of that era. 2014, introduced in Congress by Reps. Jim Sensenbrenner, Since that time, African-American voters have gone to R-WI, and John Conyers, D-MI, is so important. This the polls, and African Americans have been elected to legislation will reinstate the vital protections that the office – including the highest office in the land. And by Supreme Court took away. The ATU was among the first exercising that basic right much progress has been made. unions to endorse it. (See story, page 11) But, while most acknowledge that racism still exists, So, I urge you to tell your senators and representative in I don’t think people really believe that the Jim Crow era Congress that you support The Voting Rights Amendment could ever return. Act of 2014, and ask them to support it too. Our right to vote is too important to let slip away. v I suppose that’s why there was so little outrage when the Supreme Court struck down part of the Voting Rights Act last year and some state governments started Please visit www.atu.org for more information and the playing games with their polling practices to suppress latest ATU news. minority voting.

One popular tactic has been to pass laws that practically require a citizen to have a driver’s license to vote.

6 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 7 Canadian Agenda NDP Transport Critic Olivia Chow backs driver fatigue legislation

MP and Transport Critic Olivia Chow, NDP, has championed passage of a national transit strategy bill in Parliament since 2011, and now she is adding legislation to prevent transit driver fatigue to her goals.

In the February 2014 edition of Ottawa Life magazine she challenges Stephen Harper’s Conservative government to put the safety of Canadians first, writing that she supports federal “legislation to require a 10-hour-maximum drive time per day, a 14-hour-maximum on duty per day, and a 10-hour-minimum guarantee for rest between shifts.”

Incentives

“Currently,” she says, “bus lines have incentives to keep drivers on the road for long periods, regularly over 13 hours behind the wheel with very few breaks. The truth is that they know that they will not be caught, because they are not regularly being inspected. We need to enforce our standards and conduct routine investigations.”

The NDP MP for Trinity-Spadina who is weighing a run for mayor of Toronto, ON, says, “New Democrats can do a better job implementing fatigue management training on our roadways, while modernizing and enforcing safety measures so that Canadians can travel in security as they deserve.” v

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 7 Ontario Liberal government under fire

workers to $11/hr. has been criticized by conservatives who call it a “job-killer,” and liberals who say it’s not enough. Conservatives have also assailed her resolve to institute a new mandatory provincial pension plan to supplement the inadequate federal pension, again, as another “job- killing payroll tax.” And critics are ready to pounce once the details of Wynne’s funding proposals for her Toronto transit overhaul emerge. Tax increase proposals could force the NDP out of the coalition government, which, in itself, would force a Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne continues to pursue new election. But, Wynne is not backing down. Ontario a progressive agenda even as her minority Liberal voters will ultimately render judgment on her ambitious v government is attacked from all sides. Her announcement program. that she would increase the minimum wage for provincial

Proposed cuts to AB public sector pensions called ‘unjustified, reckless, unfair’

A new study released by an independent, professional actuary shows that Alberta’s largest public-sector pension plans are healthy and well on the way to returning to fully funded status –without any changes. The results of the study commissioned by a coalition of unions and associations including ATU, fly in the face of arguments used by the provincial government to justify its plan to roll back pensions covering almost 300,000 public- sector workers and pensioners in Alberta. In the fall, provincial Finance Minister Doug Horner announced that he would bring legislation in 2014 that will allow him to eliminate guaranteed cost-of-living sustainability of Alberta’s pensions. However, the report adjustments and all early retirement incentives in the shows that the plans are sustainable and healthy over the plans. The changes would slash the value of pensions by 25 long-term without changes. It was submitted to Horner percent or more on benefits earned after January 1, 2016. in support of a brief from the coalition opposing the Horner has said the changes are necessary to ensure the government’s plans. v

8 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 25 LETTER TO THE EDITOR Little-publicized NTSB Plymouth pres reveals report backs ATU driver little-known fact about fatigue warnings

US pro sports leagues A little-publicized National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) report, “Safety Challenges and Oversight in the Motorcoach Industry: Attitudes and Perceptions of Driv- ers, Roadside Inspectors, and Federal Investigators” pub- lished in 2012 confirms ATU’s long-standing concerns about driver fatigue.

The report’s authors conducted focus groups of drivers, fed- eral safety investigators and state motor carrier inspectors, and found drivers had “problems with getting sufficient sleep, pressure from companies to drive longer than per- mitted, and fears of motor carriers giving them less work if they turned down driving jobs.” Drivers described holding multiple jobs to earn an adequate income.

Inadequate sleep

The federal safety investigators and inspectors expressed concern about falsified logbooks, inadequate sleep among I was reading the In Transit and saw the article about motorcoach drivers, hazards from speeding motorcoaches, football. In addition to tax breaks and free land practices by motorcoach carriers to mask ownership and deals that are given to sports teams there is another fact avoid oversight, and difficulties keeping up with rapid that not everyone is aware of. The NFL, NHL, PGA and motorcoach industry growth. ATP Tennis are considered to be “not-for-profit trade associations” and are tax exempt as a 501(c) (6). MLB was “This report shows the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) also until 2007 when it changed its tax status. exemption for intercity bus drivers entices operators to overwork their low wage drivers rather than pay them The NFL earned over $10 billion last year and the league the overtime they deserve,” says International President office in New York made over $225 million from dues and Hanley. “This forces many drivers to work second jobs just other payments and paid no taxes on this money. They pay to make ends meet. Until overtime and other regulations no taxes on their Park Ave. offices or property. for bus drivers are restored and enforced, we will continue v Sen. Tom Coburn from Oklahoma has proposed a bill to see carnage on our highways.” (S.1524 - Pro Sports Act) that would eliminate this but The entire report can be read at:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. it is going nowhere. The billionaire owners of the NFL gov/pmc/articles/PMC3503431/ and NHL have many politicians they support financially so this tax money that could be used for transit and other programs that could help many is being protected for the wealthy – “our government in action.” v

­ — Local President Charles Ryan, 1548-Plymouth, MA

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 9 ATU kicks off ‘spring training’ in Louisville and Ontario

Football season is over, and the thoughts of many North Ontario: ‘Eye opening, informative’ Americans are now focused on just one thing – spring training. Yes, as the weather grows warmer, baseball fans’ Locals 1572-Mississauga, ON; 1573-Brampton, ON; hearts skip a beat evaluating the new players on their team, 1587-Toronto, ON; and 1602-St. Catharines-ON; pouring over a schedule that stretches to October, and gathered to take part in the first Canadian training. Fifty- handicapping their chances to win the pennant. five members spent the day with McCarthy learning the roles and responsibilities of an active and constructive That excitement is being generated within the ATU, as well, union member. as our own spring training is underway. ATU officers and members are now participating in the next generation of McCarthy discussed the difficult climate created by anti- union instruction. Participants are learning new strategies union governments, corporations, and the billionaires who to empower members to get involved, make our locals control them. He warned that those forces are working stronger, and prepare for the battles ahead. every minute to divide and conquer and make sure non- union workers see union people as the enemy. Members cannot leave it to their executive board and stewards, he Louisville, KY: ‘Engaging, said, to lead the charge without the members solidly and actively working behind them. thought provoking’ “The training was eye-opening and informative,” said Local More than 35 members of Local 1447-Louisville, KY, took 1572 President Nick Bye. “The members left ready to build part in the daylong training conducted by labor educator a strong union; ready for any fight that comes their way.” Paul McCarthy. Instruction covered how to be an effective union member in a hostile work environment, building rider and community coalitions, strategies for bargaining, Vital first step and other topics. The ATU instruction is a vital first step in animating our Local President Jonathan Dooley observed, “When the membership and galvanizing our riders into a potent training started, it took less than 15 minutes for everybody political force that will have an impact on local and to become comfortable and ready to learn. It was engaging, national legislation, the U.S. Congressional elections in direct, and thought provoking.” November, and key municipal elections in a number of Canadian provinces. “Another Local 1447 trainee said, “I learned the importance of getting all members involved, and that we need to think There’s a lot more training events to come. ATU outside the box to achieve that. We also need to build encourages all members to take part in this exciting coalitions with our riders because without them we would educational program. Contact your local officers and not have a job. I now feel empowered to make a difference tell them you want ATU training or email us directly at in my union.” [email protected] v

10 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 11 Transit workers, riders applaud bill to modernize voting rights act COMMON SENSE, BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION PROTECTS VOTING RIGHTS OF MINORITIES, TRANSIT RIDERS, ALL PEOPLE Kansas City, MO, ATU and Americans for Transit (A4T) released the following transit workers fight statement in response to the introduction on January 16, of the “Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014”: outsourcing “We applaud the introduction of this bipartisan legislation that will provide vital protections for all voters against Privatization schemes are on the docket at transit properties discrimination at the ballot box and ensure every American across the United States and Canada. But in several major their right to vote. metropolitan areas, privatization has taken on a new form. “This bill will address the Supreme Court’s 2013 Voting Instead of the usual claims that they can improve existing Rights Act decision, which turned the clock back to the Jim bus and train service and cuts costs, outsourcers are building Crow-era when state laws prevented people of color from “premium” transportation, like streetcars, that do little to voting – creating a permanent underclass in American society. expand options for working people while delivering huge That ruling, which requires that particular picture IDs be profits to developers and downtown real estate interests. provided in order to vote, virtually legalizes voter suppression In the process, they divert millions of dollars away and in those states, and encourages it in others. It especially hurts intentionally starve our public transit systems. See, also “Bad transit riders, the poor, seniors, and persons with disabilities, Street cars are bad transit,” page 21) who rely on public transit, often don’t possess driver’s licenses, and are vulnerable to disenfranchisement efforts. The result? “We urge Congress to pass this bipartisan bill to protect the most fundamental right of our country – the right of every Higher fares for bus and train passengers; and wage cuts American citizen to vote.” v and job losses for ATU members. That’s what some have in mind for Kansas City, MO – but Local 1287 is ahead of the curve and fighting back! Local 1287 members have begun a campaign to keep Kansas City transit public. They are also pushing back against a threat from the city manager who says he will contract out 40 percent of the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority’s existing service if he doesn’t get the results he wants from arbitration. More than 125 fired-up members attended a meeting to learn how to empower each other and organize their riders. They will be mobilizing their sisters and brothers, Rep. John Lewis, D-GA., accompanied by fellow members of the Congressional Black Caucus express disappointment in the Supreme coordinating with community allies, and hosting transit Court’s decision on Shelby County v. Holder that invalidates Section 4 town halls to engage the entire city in a frank discussion of the Voting Rights Act, Tuesday, June 25, 2013, on Capitol Hill in about the future of KC public transit. v Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 11 ATU scores organizing wins

ATU welcomes new members to our ranks. Locals have been waging and winning hard fought organizing campaigns, giving more transit workers a voice on the job. The following are the new members who recently voted to join ATU:

✓✓ November 26, 2013: 32 Standard Parking employees who operate buses at the Richmond Airport, joined Local 1220-Richmond, VA. ✓✓ December 13, 2013: 89 MV Transportation employees who operate paratransit and foster Rochester, MN, transit care transportation for the Fairfax (VA) Connector, joined Local workers ratify strong 689-Washington, DC. ✓✓ December 19, 2013: 98 Durham contract School Service employees operating school buses voted to join Local 1564-Detroit, MI. After more than a year of negotiating, Local President Mark Lawson said ✓✓ January 15, 2014: MV Rochester, MN, bus drivers and members were glad to have this Transportation voluntarily recognized dispatchers ratified a contract with behind them. “It is nice to be able Local 689-Washington, DC, as the First Transit, which manages the city’s to move on and keep providing labor representative of 308 transit system. good transit service in Rochester. employees (could rise to as many as That’s the goal of everybody, and it’s 400) providing transportation for The 55 members of Local 1005- nice not to have this hanging over Head Start. Minneapolis, MN, overwhelmingly everybody’s head.” v voted for the three-year contract, that ✓✓ January 31, 2014: 300 First Transit includes pay increases, back pay, and employees providing transportation improved benefits. They had been for Metro Access paratransit, joined working without a contract for a year. Local 689-Washington, DC. v

12 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 13 Report reveals Bloomberg school bus plan would cost NYC millions

Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s plan to save money International President Larry Hanley calls the plan by not requiring long-standing employee protection misleading and adds, “The ‘supposed savings’ promised provisions (EPPs) in its schoolbus contracts would by Bloomberg through contracts without EPPs, in actually cost taxpayers millions while jeopardizing the place since 1979, will not come from cutting the cost safety of students, a new report finds. of schoolbus service but from shifting its costs onto displaced bus workers, other city agencies, the state, The study by Peter Donohue of San Francisco’s PBI students, their parents, and taxpayers. We call on the Associates for ATU found Bloomberg’s changes to incoming city controller to hold the contracts for a schoolbus service contracts would increase costs between thorough review.” v $60 million to $239 million, rather than save the $20 to $40 million the mayor claimed.

STAY CONNECTED For the latest ATU News and Action Alerts please check out the ATU’s social media network

Facebook: facebook.com/ATUInternational YouTube: youtube.com/user/stpatuorg Twitter: twitter.com/ATUComm Flickr: flickr.com/photos/atuinternational/

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 13 ‘Poor mouth’ Portland agency Former US gives managers big raises transportation secretary urges 10¢ gas tax increase

Congress should raise the federal gas tax by 10 cents and index it to future inflation. That’s the opinion of The general manager of Portland, Meanwhile Local 757 and Tri-Met former U.S. secretary of transportation OR’s Tri-Met transit agency said he remain locked in tense negotiations in and longtime Republican member of was done giving secret raises to his which the GM has asserted that ATU the House, Ray LaHood, who’s urging managers last year, after he was caught members need to accept benefit cuts. the president to adopt the increase to doing that while cutting service and help fund the nation’s transportation “It’s frustrating when they’re preaching raising fares. priorities. He’s promoting the idea transparency and poverty and blaming in his new role as co-chair of the So he very publically gave a 12 the union employees for their financial organization, “Building America’s percent raise to his director of revenue problems,” says Local President Bruce Future.” operations, and a 6.2 percent raise Hansen, “yet they continue to find (they call them “market adjustments”) money for big raises.” v to his safety division manager this year.

Portland president ‘disheartened’ by Tri-Met audit report

Local 757-Portland, OR, has “When I finished reading the report, I complained about safety and health felt pretty disheartened,” he said. “The problems for years at Tri-Met, the city’s auditors just seem to be in lock-step “I think what the Congress ought to transit system. Now, in its first-ever with Tri-Met on every key issue.” do is look at what the states are doing,” comprehensive agency audit, Oregon’s he says. “Just about every state or city Meanwhile, Tri-Met has asked the secretary of state has noted more than that has had a referendum to raise state’s Employment Relations Board to two dozen areas that management the sales tax one penny or whatever, mediate a settlement with Local 757 in should work on, from safety and they almost always pass. So if people negotiations which have been ongoing scheduling to labor-management are afraid that the electorate is going since the previous contract expired on relations and unfunded liabilities. to heap some kind of retribution on November 30, 2012. v them if they raise the tax, they need Local President Bruce Hansen to look at cities and states that have remained unimpressed by the findings. done it, where it has passed.” v

14 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 15 Binghamton privatization on hold LOCAL 1145 CAMPAIGN SEES SUCCESS, FIGHT CONTINUES

ATU Local 1145-Binghamton, NY’s comprehensive campaign to fight privatization has won a big battle as Broome County, NY, officials and legislators have put the decision to issue a “request for proposals” (RFP) from private transit contractors on hold. The move comes following the signing of a concessionary contract by the local. Local President Peter Schiraldi reports that, “most county legislators feel that it’s going to be hard for the county to privatize now that… we did take concessions with cost savings to the county.” ATU has fought the privatization proposal for months. Earlier this winter, the local helped organize a “Speak Out” forum in which lawmakers heard from of over 80 citizens who opposed the idea. Schiraldi told officials that, “Outsourcing critical community services like public transit… to private companies who are primarily interested in squeezing out as much profit as possible rather than serving the people of Broome County is a major mistake…We will not stand for it.” The local president says that the county deputy executive now “feels that so long as things are improving there is no need to issue the RFP.” v

Marketing Strategy for Privatizer National Express: Cut Driver Wages

When ATU negotiates with private transit companies like Veolia, First Transit, and MV Transportation, it’s clear from their tactics at the table that one of their chief goals is to cut drivers’ wages any way possible. Now a marketing presentation from National Express, a United Kingdom-based transportation company that runs school buses in 29 states and two provinces, reveals that truth. In a document under the company’s “Strategic Initiatives,” National Express lists “Reduce Driver Wages” as a selling point to school districts and transit agencies. v

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 15 Lack of Milwaukee public transit highlights nation’s jobs issue

When Milwaukee resident Shawn Brown-Troop fell behind on car payments, he lost more than his car. He had to give up his job in a suburb because he could only get there by public transportation.

He is one of thousands of Milwaukee residents who struggle to find work without a car as available jobs grow outside Milwaukee – beyond the reach of a weak county transit system. It’s also a problem for businesses that can’t fill jobs because qualified applicants have no way to get to work. Many cities across North America are experiencing similar issues.

Transit and workforce advocates, and companies are working to find solutions including exploring the development of a regional transit system to help fund an expanded system that would meet the demands.

“If there was a bus going out there, I’d still be working, even if it was an hour trip,” said Brown-Troop. v

US DOT secretary: ‘buses provide access to jobs’ SAYS PROJECT REFLECTS HOW TRANSPORTATION HELPS CREATE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Transportation Secretary Orlando’s major employers, schools, health care facilities Anthony Foxx toured the nearly and other services completed East-West Circulator Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project “In his State of the Union Address, the president called in downtown Orlando, a project on us to build new ladders of opportunity to help more that reflects how transportation can families join America’s middle class and to give them a shot help create the type of economic at creating a better life for their children,” said Foxx. “This opportunities President Obama called for in his State of project is a great example of how Orlando’s growing network the Union Address. of transit buses will connect families from communities like Thornton Park and Parramore with access to jobs, The BRT project will offer free transportation to thousands education and basic necessities like the grocery store.” v of hard-working families who need reliable access to

16 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 17 Proposed referendum could save King County, WA, jobs

In a long-standing battle over public transit, “this is a On Jan. 28, at a rally sponsored by Local 587, riders do-or-die” moment says the University of Washington’s and transit workers expressed outrage at impending and transportation services director. He’s referring to a current cuts. Bus drivers spoke about not even having time proposal to hold an April referendum on a county tax to run to the bathroom, thanks to cuts in schedules that measure that would preserve current service and save eliminate rest breaks. Riders suffer from late buses, greater Local 587 members’ jobs. distances between stops and drivers who are grumpy from overwork and stress. But the good news is that both The measure would increase the sales tax by one-tenth transit workers and riders talked about the urgent need of a cent per dollar, and set an annual car-tab fee of $60. to build a movement with a labor-community alliance as the foundation. v The new funding would erase Metro’s expected $75 million deficit, and cancel plans to cut 74 routes and reduce service on 107 others in September – cuts that would effect 80 percent of the county’s bus riders and put 30,000 more cars on the road.

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 17 Driving a Bus Is Hazardous To Your Health

Chronic work-related diseases are hard to see just by Over 40% have high blood pressure looking at someone. The scariest finding: 41.5% of the transit workers had Take bus drivers. Recent research by the National Institute hypertension (high blood pressure), compared to 27.6% for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) shows for all the 214,413 workers studied. High blood pressure that bus drivers and other “passenger transit workers” leads to all kinds of other health problems, including heart suffer greater rates of illness than workers in many other attacks and strokes. Heart disease is the leading cause of industries and occupations. death in the United States.

Transit work is one of the top three jobs in which you face Reprinted with permission by www.worksafe.org v the highest risk of contracting 10 common diseases.

Job-related hazards also contribute to the fact that these workers have 120% above the average rate for nine chronic diseases.

Tim Bushnell from NIOSH found the startling numbers by looking at the employer-based group health insurance medical claims of two insurance companies. They reflect people’s real health problems, rather than incomplete workers’ compensation claims.

Bushnell studied the records of 214,413 workers in 55 sectors – two-thirds of all possible types of workplaces. “Passenger transit workers” include all types of bus Preliminary numbers show transit drivers have these diseases at drivers, as well as commuter rail, streetcar, subway, van rates above the average for workers in 55 industries/sectors. The star pool, airport limousine, taxi, and ambulance drivers. indicates when they are in the top three for that condition.”

Justice, safety for women transport workers goal of new global campaign

The International Transport Workers Federation - ITF - has started a global campaign to fight for justice and safety for women transport workers. The campaign and its action plan were initiated at a conference of 270 ITF women transport workers in Delhi, India, January 27-28.

The ATU is increasing our investment and working more closely with the ITF.

A RadioLabour report on the campaign featured Diana Holland, chair of the ITF’s women’s committee and assistant gen- eral secretary of Unite, one of the UK’s largest unions. The report also features Alison McGarry, the ITF’s women transport workers coordinator and Sharan Burrow, the general secretary of the ITUC. v

Go to: http://www.radiolabour.net/itf-women-050214.htm

18 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 19 Less Fortunate have hero in Camden local’s ‘Momma G’

ma G’ to her passengers,” says Local President Stephen Knestaut. “She always offers to help when she sees someone who is down on their luck. Sister Smith has an infectious smile and brightens the day of everyone she comes into contact with. She is truly a selfless person who definitely gives back to society.”

ATU applauds Sister Gloria Smith for going “Above & Beyond.”

If you know an ATU member like Sister Smith who goes the extra mile for your local or community, nominate him or her for ATU’s “Above & Beyond” by emailing [email protected]. v

The homeless and less fortunate have a true hero at Local ATU ‘Angel’ 880-Camden, NJ, looking out for them and setting an UNIDENTIFIED WINNIPEG MEMBER example for all Union members. SAVES WOMAN FROM DANGEROUS Sister Gloria Smith, a bus driver for 28 years, has COLD WEATHER organized a holiday drive to collect food, clothing and toys for the poorer citizens of Camden City, the last few years. Canadians are used to cold weather, so a Winnipeg, MB, woman waited outdoors so she wouldn’t miss her bus Rather than spending Christmas Day with her family, home even though temperatures dipped to -38 degrees Sister Smith (on the right in the photo) and her Celsius. volunteers handed out food, clothing, blankets, coats, toys, and games while serving hot dogs and coffee to the A bus driver on another route stopped and insisted the less fortunate citizens of Camden City. woman get on his bus and warm up. He then drove her to a stop on his route where she could wait for her bus inside a heated shack. ‘Heart of Gold’ “He said that he saw icicles falling from my eyelashes, and “Sister Smith has a heart of gold and would do anything he knew he had to get me on that bus,” said the rider, who for everybody. She is affectionately known as ‘Mom- called the unidentified bus driver her “Transit Angel.” v

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 19 Graphic by Transport Politic New transit construction booming, while systems face budget woes

New transportation projects will open or be under construction this year all over North America. Billions of dollars are being spent on transit capital undertakings, while, in America, operating expenses get short shrift. The question facing the U.S. Congress will be whether they will include money to hire the workers needed for the new service in the next transportation reauthorization bill, which must be passed by October 1.

New transit lines will open this year in cities where ATU represents transit workers such as Minneapolis, In Canada Prime Minister Stephen Harper revealed that MN; Edmonton, AB; Dallas, TX; and Calgary, AB. a $14 billion infrastructure fund is contemplated there. Streetcar lines will open in Atlanta, GA; Seattle, WA; According to TheTransportPolitic.com, “It’s a veritable and Washington, DC, among others. And new bus rapid circus of construction activity, almost everywhere. transit will begin in Chicago, IL; San Diego, CA; Orlando, In total, 737 miles of new lines or line extensions, in FL; Los Angeles, CA; and outside Toronto, ON. addition to 10 new stations or major station renovations, New construction will begin or continue in New York, NY; will be either complete or under construction in 2014, Oakland, CA; Fresno, CA; El Paso, TX; Fort Lauderdale, accounting for a total of $80.7 billion in programmed FL; Portland, OR, among others. funding.” v

20 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 21 ATU Hero ALERT BOSTON SERVICE AGENT HELPS SAVE COMMUTER’S LIFE

Kevin Bossart, a 24-year-old MBTA commuter, has quick- acting Customer Service Agent Karen Kane, 589-Boston, MA, and MBTA Training School Instructor Tomas Gon- zales to thank for saving his life.

Bossart, who has a pre-existing heart condition, suffered sudden cardiac arrest at a Quincy station causing him to pass out, fall down some stairs and strike his head. Kane saw him and quickly got Gonzales to rush over and begin administering CPR.

Gonzales performed CPR for about 45 minutes before From left: MBTA Customer Service Agent Karen Kane, 589-Boston, an ambulance arrived to take Bossart to the hospital. MA, Trish Bossart, MBTA Instructor Tomas Gonzales, and Bob Bossart’s father, Bob, says doctors credit the CPR with Bossart. The Bossarts came to thank Kane and Gonzales for saving the life of their son who suffered cardiac arrest at a Quincy station. saving his son’s life.

Bossart remains in critical condition and has a long road Gonzales to thank them for helping their son, who will ahead of him but his family wanted to meet Kane and celebrate his 25th birthday next month. v

Bad streetcars are bad transit

Streetcar projects are all the rage these days. From Kansas The other problem is that the majority of these streetcar City to Cincinnati to Los Angeles to Washington, DC, lines aren’t located in communities that need and rely on to New Orleans, cities across the country have started or public transit, but instead in tourist areas of cities, running are proposing streetcar lines. The federal government is less than four miles long, according to a recent study by fueling this streetcar revival by giving out money for capital Transit Cooperative Research Program. As a sign of the expenditures, but nothing for operations. further isolation of the streetcar, many agencies are out- sourcing the operations to private companies such as Veolia, RATP-McDonald and others.

Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley is so fed up with his city’s streetcar project that he threatened to overhaul the board that runs Metro, Greater Cincinnati’s largest public transportation agency. “The fact is they (the board) were willing to cannibalize bus service…The streetcar is basically a luxury item that people believe may or may not spur economic development. No one really believes it’s a transportation system. Even the supporters say it’s a luxury item that will make our city ‘cool,’” Cranley says. “Buses get people from their homes to their jobs.” v

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 21 Greyhound driver viciously attacked

Another over-the-road driver has been viciously and senselessly attacked.

This time, a passenger thought to be “hallucinating” got past a protective shield and began punching a Greyhound operator in the face as he was driving from Los Angeles control of the bus. Twenty-six passengers were injured. to Dallas. As assaults on transit workers continue to rise across North During the attack the bus crossed the median on an Arizona America, ATU has been pushing for increased safety highway. Passengers helped fight off the attacker and regain measures including transit police and other actions. v

Suspect in brutal beating of Tri-Met driver released pending trial

released from jail under close supervision, pending trial. “I was hoping he would go straight from the arrest to trial to jail,” said Thompson.

Thompson was taken aback by the release of the man who she says attacked her over a fare and transfer dispute.

“He jumped up and grabbed me and turned me around and threw me behind the driver’s seat and pinned me between the driver’s box and the driver’s seat and proceeded to pound my head 15 times,” she remembers. While the driver’s physical wounds are healing, she is still too traumatized to begin driving again. v

Courts still seem not to take bus driver assault seriously. Pamela Thompson, 757-Portland, OR, was just beginning to heal up from the beating she received from a passenger, when she received news that her alleged attacker was

22 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 23 Vancouver members fight back against driver assault

Fed up with the more than 116 assaults on transit workers last year, Local 134-Vancouver, BC, members will be launching a campaign to fight back against these violent attacks. Hanley joins national, Minnesota leaders to push for transit equity

Calling for more development and investment in Minnesota’s transit systems, and better transit equity to serve small communities, International President Larry Hanley joined politicians, community organizers, and transit leaders at the “Everyone Deserves a Seat: Transportation, Jobs, and Equity Forum,” in St. Paul, MN.

Hanley informed the forum about ATU’s work organizing transit riders across The Vancouver transit workers the country to fight for more buses, more routes, and better bus schedules. He will wear buttons that read, “Stop urged a partnership between union members and transit riders saying, “our assaults on transit workers” to spread workplace is how you get to yours.” awareness about the growing problem. Organizers said the forum was a success, bringing together many of the The campaign is being launched organizations working on transit and transit issues. “If we’re going to be successful as unions have started offering in moving a bill – a major investment in our future, in our infrastructure – we $15,000 rewards to people who come need everyone working in a coordinated fashion,” said one organizer. v forward with information leading to convictions of attackers. “We will continue to fight the There’s a big wide world out there, and it’s tough fight and hopefully there will be a to keep up with all the events which can affect resolution at the end of the day,” said your profession and your livelihood. One of the Local 134 President Geoffrey Devlin. easiest ways to stay informed is by visiting: “We all have to wear this pin and all www.atu.org. stick together and all come together for the same common good.” v Don’t stay in the dark! Find out what’s going on. Visit www.atu.org.

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 23 Reward offered in reopened murder case of retired Norfolk, VA local president

In 1998, ATU lost a loyal friend and respected brother when retired Local 1177-Norfolk, VA, President Ben Owens was shot and killed during a robbery at a gas station in Chesapeake, VA. The case was never solved, but was recently reopened after authorities found some possible leads.

The International is once again assisting Chesapeake police by honoring its offer of a $6,500 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this crime. v 85 people own as much as entire bottom half of world

Economic inequality across the world continues to grow, threatening global, political and economic stability.

A new Oxfam report “Working For The Few” concluded that one percent of the global population controls half of the world’s wealth. Researchers based the report on Credit Suisse’s “Global Wealth Report 2013” and Forbes’ latest list of the world’s billionaires. Gainesville, FL, members The report also found that the world’s 85 richest people own the same amount as the entire bottom half of the declare impasse world’s population.

Citing stalled progress at the bargaining table, Gainesville Ramifications transit workers have declared an impasse in negotiations with the Regional Transit System. Not surprisingly the ramifications of such inequality may be dire, the report suggests. Instead of moving forward At the heart of the disagreement is wages. The drivers together, the report says, people are increasingly separated by are among the lowest paid of any fixed route transit economic and political power, inevitably heightening social system in Florida or Georgia. It is nearly impossible for tensions and increasing the risk of societal breakdown.” drivers and other workers to reach the top end of the pay scale through the current system the city now offers. The full report can be found at http://www.oxfam.org/en/ Local 1579, which represents the workers, says this is policy/working-for-the-few-economic-inequality. v why RTS is struggling to retain drivers. v

24 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 25 Bible saves Dayton bus driver in disturbing gang initiation shooting

In what some are calling divine pocket prevented the bullets fired by a one of the teens from “intervention,” Local 1385 Steward taking his life. Rick Wagoner’s life was saved by a The driver was shot again in the leg, and stabbed in the arm pocket New Testament that stopped as he wrestled the gun and knife from his assailants. He two bullets allegedly shot by one thinks he might have shot one of the suspects with their own of three teens seeking to become gun as they fled to a waiting car. members of a gang. Wagoner managed to drive his bus to the next hub where he “This unprovoked attack should outrage every member of was taken to a local hospital for treatment. our community,” says Local President Glenn Sayler, who is pursuing measures to protect his members and passengers RTA workers are understandably disturbed by the apparent with RTA and local officials. initiation rite in which prospective gang members target a uniformed worker for death. They have received strong Wagoner, 49, was inspecting his bus, which had just broken support from riders, who are equally concerned with the down, when the teens approached from behind. He heard safety and security on RTA buses. v one of them say, “If you want to be all the way in the club, you have to kill the polar bear,” just before the bible in his

International mourns death of retired International Vice President Joe Welch

Retired International Vice President Joe Welch, 83, passed Not just an officer away, February 13. Beloved and respected by all who knew him, Brother Welch served the Union in various capacities Welch was an expert on local union matters, but he’s for 37 years until his retirement in 2010. remembered most for caring personally about everyone with whom he came into contact. He was not just an A veteran of the National Guard and the U.S. Marine officer, but a real friend. Corps, the future IVP began working as a bus operator and became a member of Local 580-Syracuse, NY, in 1955. Welch is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karin Kremin He was elected president of the local in 1973, financial Welch, his eight children, 16 grandchildren, and eight secretary/business agent in 1974, and IVP in 1986. great-grandchildren. Hard working, tireless, and loyal, Welch was known for One of Welch’s daughters says, “We shared daddy with providing extensive and useful assistance to locals across thousands of brothers and sisters of the Amalgamated New York State. He had a pivotal role in the creation of Transit Union. ATU runs through my veins.” ATU thanks true and fair standards for the federal Commercial Driver’s the Welch family for sharing him with us. v License (CDL), and developed an ATU program to prepare operators to take the test.

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 25 Thunder Bay transit workers ratify deal, avert strike

After threatening a strike, Thunder Bay, ON transit workers ratified a deal with the city, brokered with the help of a provincial conciliator. The city council quickly approved the contract.

Local 966, which represents 170 bus drivers and maintenance staff, had been working without a contract since June 2012.

Local President Shelia Kivisto, Local 966 President Shelia Kivisto was pleased an agreement was reached without having 966-Thunder Bay ON, is to resort to a strike. “All along we said we didn’t want to disrupt service. I didn’t want pleased an agreement has been ratified with the City. (Photo by somebody to not have a ride or students scrambling to get to school,” she said. “That wasn’t CBC News) our intent. We just wanted to make sure we got something fair and the end of it was going to be fair to us.” v

Toronto Transit sick note policy challenged

The Toronto Transit Commission is Kinnear’s criticism is backed up by Scott pleased to report that its rule requiring Wooder, president of the Ontario Medical a doctor’s note from employees after one Association, who says, “No employer day of sickness – one the strictest policies should require a sick note on the first day in the province – reduced absenteeism of an absence. It doesn’t make sense.” at the agency from 8.42 percent to 7.7 percent in 2012. And TTC believes the Kinnear adds, “It is important that they 2013 figure will be even lower. (the TTC) recognize the safety aspect and recognize that it is important that But that improvement might just become we ensure that we have completely alert a pyrrhic victory if it leads to increased operators out there. You (should) want to illness. make clear to the operators, to the people Local 113 president Bob Kinnear that are in safety-sensitive positions that worries about the incentives “There is definitely a percentage of for sick streetcar or bus drivers if you are under the weather, if you are members that when they are feeling an to work while sick. (Photo by taking antihistamines, we don’t want you Andrew Francis Wallace / Toronto ailment for a day will suck it up and come driving.” v Star File Photo) into work,” says Local 113 President Bob Kinnear. “That is probably not good for the employees internally and probably not in the best interest of the public,”

26 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 27 ATU du Local 587 à Seattle sont formés et invités Impossible d’ignorer à participer à la campagne pour le référendum sur le transport en commun au scrutin d’avril. La 20 millions d’usagers question de la levée d’impôts pour le transport en commun déterminera la sécurité de l›emploi de des transports en 500 membres et la sécurité du service pour des commun dizaines de milliers d›usagers.

Vous devez commencer à le ressentir dans les gares Illusion de sécurité routières et les garages de tous les États-Unis et du Canada Partout dans nos deux pays, les attaques ne cessent pas. – nous sommes actifs, nous militons en disant « Eh oui, Dans certains endroits, on remarque une illusion de nous sommes là et nous avons quelque chose d’important à sécurité où les membres pensent, « ça ne peut pas arriver dire! » ici ». Faites-moi confiance, les malheurs frappent les gens Nous encourageons les membres locaux à agir dans tous bien et les bonnes communautés. les coins du pays et ils adorent ça. Dans tous les États-Unis et le Canada, les usagers des Les formations ont commencé ou ont déjà été prévues transports en commun et les travailleurs sont les « Rodney partout, de la Nouvelle-Angleterre à Seattle et de l’Ontario Dangerfield » du service public. Nous ne nous faisons pas à la région de San Francisco en Californie. respecter – pas du tout. Voici l’occasion de changer tout ça. Nous avons déclaré mai 2014 le mois international du transport en Campagnes actuelles commun : Nous le faisons tout en gérant dix campagnes importantes Nous demandons à chaque membre de se joindre aux qui en sont à différents stades, y compris : événements de sa ville au cours du mois de mai. Nous • Nous travaillons avec le Local 1287 pour lutter nous adresserons aux usagers – nos alliés naturels – pour contre la privatisation à Kansas City, MO, ainsi qu’ils nous soutiennent dans notre lutte pour de meilleurs qu’avec le Local 732, à Atlanta. transports en commun.

• Nous avons combattu et réussi à obtenir un sursis de Nous enverrons le message qu’il est impossible d’ignorer la privatisation avec le Local 1145, à Binghamton, NY. 20 millions d’usagers.

• Les Local de Washington, DC, 689 et 1764 l’ont Nos voix doivent se faire entendre dans toutes nos villes. bien compris et travaillent actuellement sur une Êtes-vous des nôtres ? v campagne pour que la communauté soutienne un système de transport équitable. Visitez www.atu.org pour en savoir plus et pour les • À New York, le Local 1181 continue à insister dernières nouvelles de l’ATU. chaque jour pour faire reprendre le travail à 2000 membres après que Bloomberg ait annulé leurs contrats et la sécurité de leurs emplois. Malgré des succès devant les tribunaux, nous n’avons pas encore obtenu de mesures correctives du nouveau maire progressiste, Bill de Blasio.

• En ce moment même, des milliers de membres

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 27 À partir de ce moment, la seule responsabilité du chauffeur Considérez, si vous le est de conduire le bus en respectant l›itinéraire et l›heure. voulez bien, ce qui suit… Ensuite une mécanicienne – qui a combattu en Irak – arrive dans l›aire de stationnement. Sa plaque d›immatriculation est balayée par le scanneur; elle tape sa pièce d›identité et Un chauffeur d’autobus se gare dans l’aire de stationnement place la main sur la capsule indiquant l›aptitude au travail. de la compagnie. Un faisceau infrarouge balaye la plaque d’immatriculation et la compare à une liste informatisée Elle est maintenant prête à travailler. de véhicules autorisés. L’espace de stationnement pré- La fourgonnette d›outils « snap-on » arrive sur l›aire de attribué enregistre le fait qu’il s’est garé au bon endroit. stationnement. La mécanicienne regarde à l›intérieur et Quand il arrive au bureau, le chauffeur tape le portefeuille remarque un gant bizarre doté d›un petit objet curieux fixé contenant sa pièce d’identité sur un lecteur automatique, sur la paume. Le vendeur y insère la lame d›un tournevis, ce qui l’identifie, ouvre la porte de l’ascenseur et lui permet referme la main et la lame se met à tourner. Le vendeur d’accéder à l’étage désigné. Au guichet du répartiteur un ouvre la main et la lame s›arrête de tourner. Le vendeur ordinateur enregistre son heure d’arrivée et la transmet à lui tend le gant et l›invite à l›essayer. Elle est étonnée de son dossier personnel. S’il n’avait pas été à l’heure, son la dextérité qu›il permet et de l›absence de piles. nom aurait clignoté sur l’écran du répartiteur, indiquant une exception. L’avenir commence aujourd’hui Le chauffeur place la main sur une capsule rectangulaire spéciale du guichet indiquant « l’aptitude au travail » Vous RIEZ! Vous dites qu’on ne verra jamais ça? Mais la Le répartiteur relève la tension artérielle, les taux de technologie existe aujourd’hui. cholestérol, de glucose, d’alcool et d’autres drogues dans son organisme. Rien d’anormal n’est remarqué dans ces L’avenir est ce que nous vivrons au cours de nos vies. taux. Le chauffeur se rend à l’entrepôt des autobus. L’avenir commence aujourd’hui. Qu’aurons-nous besoin de savoir pour faire notre travail à l’avenir? Qu’allons-nous faire pour nous assurer que c’est l’avenir L’ordinateur effectue plusieurs tâches. que nous voulons? v

Le chauffeur tape sa carte d’identité sur le lecteur Visitez www.atu.org pour en savoir plus et pour les automatique de la boîte de perception dans l’autobus, dernières nouvelles de l’ATU. ce qui signale à l’ordinateur que plusieurs tâches doivent être effectuées.Instantanément, le siège et les rétroviseurs du chauffeur se règlent automatiquement aux positions prédéterminées pour son confort et sa sécurité, la radio est configurée et la boîte de perception est prête à l’emploi. Trouvant que la pression d’air est un peu basse, l’autobus gonfle un pneu à l’aide de l’air des soufflets. Il vérifie le Il faut un amendement niveau des liquides – mais un être humain devra ajouter de l’huile le cas échéant. en 2014 à la loi électorale En arrivant dans la cour, le chauffeur vérifie trois petits pour préserver le droit écrans vidéo sur le tableau de bord qui affichent les angles morts, visibles grâce aux caméras montées à l’arrière et sur de vote les côtés. Les fenêtres du bus s’ajustent automatiquement selon la lumière ambiante afin de protéger les occupants des rayons UV du soleil et de contribuer au système de Il y a toujours eu un rapport entre le mouvement améri- climatisation du bus. cain des droits civiques et les autobus.

28 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 29 En 1955, Rosa Parks refusa d’appliquer les lois qui obli- Intégrité ? geaient les Afro-Américains à s’asseoir à l’arrière du bus, ce qui déclencha le mouvement des droits civiques. Ils disent bien que cela n’a rien à voir avec le racisme – qu’il s’agit seulement d’assurer l’intégrité de notre proces- En 1961, les Freedom Riders risquèrent leurs vies en s’as- sus d’élection. Cela paraît raisonnable, n’est-ce pas ? seyant sur les sièges prévus pour les blancs dans les bus de la ville dans l’ensemble des états prônant la ségrégation, et Ils avaient aussi de « bonnes raisons » pour la ségrégation en pénétrant ensemble dans les stations pour faire avancer en 1955 – mais le système n’en était pas moins raciste et les droits civiques. immoral. En 1963, les bus transportèrent des milliers de personnes Personne ne doit se fier à des paroles raisonnables ayant au Lincoln Memorial à Washington, DC, pour entendre pour effet de refuser à quiconque ses droits fondamentaux. Martin Luther King, Jr. prononcer son discours célèbre Les lois sur l’identification des électeurs sont tout aussi « J’ai fait un rêve ». racistes et immorales aujourd’hui que l’étaient les tests d’alphabétisation au temps de la ségrégation. C’est pourquoi un nouveau projet de loi, l’amendement Le droit de vote est officiel sur le droit de vote de 2014, introduit au Congrès par les représentants Jim Sensenbrenner, R-WI, et John Conyers, Au bout d’années de lutte, le congrès adopta la loi de 1965 D-MI, est si important. Cette législation rétablira les pro- sur le droit de vote – interdisant la discrimination raciale tections essentielles que la Cour suprême avait retirées. lors d’un vote - l’un des succès les plus importants de cette époque. Je vous incite donc de dire à vos sénateurs et représentants au Congrès que vous soutenez l’amendement sur le droit de Depuis ce moment, les électeurs afro-américains votent, vote de 2014, et demandez-leur de le soutenir aussi. Notre sont élus à des fonctions publiques - notamment à la fonc- droit de vote est trop important pour le laisser filer. tion la plus élevée du pays. En exerçant ce droit élémen- taire, de grands progrès ont été réalisés. Mais bien que la plupart des gens admettent que le racisme n’est pas mort, Visitez www.atu.org pour en savoir plus je ne crois pas que l’on soit persuadé que l’époque « Jim Crow » puisse revenir. C’est probablement pour cette raison qu’il y a eu aussi peu de réactions lorsque la Cour suprême a annulé une partie de la loi sur le droit de vote l’an dernier et quand certains gouvernements d’états se sont mis à jouer avec leurs pratiques électorales pour supprimer le vote des mi- norités. L’une des tactiques employées est de voter des lois qui exigent pratiquement qu’un citoyen ait le permis de conduire pour voter. Ces lois garantissent virtuellement que pour les citoyens sans permis de conduire – les gens qui prennent le bus – il sera difficile, sinon impossible, de voter. C’est ainsi que les personnes de couleur, les handicapés et les personnes âgées seront privés de leurs droits au 21e siècle si rien n’est fait pour l’empêcher.

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 29 In Memoriam Death Benefits Awarded November 1, 2013 - December 31, 2013

1- MEMBERS AT LARGE 268- CLEVELAND, OH WILLIAM E JAMES 966- THUNDER BAY, ON 1287- KANSAS CITY, MO ALBERT M ANDRASCHKO WILLIAM VALLI HARRY CONWAY LACEY JR ROBERT BELL SINCLAIR ROBERT W JONES RAYMOND L BASS 279- OTTAWA, ON ANTHONY A MASON NORMAN J DRESSEL CLIFFORD B GAGNON JOSEPH N MORRISEY 993- OKLAHOMA CITY, OK 1321- ALBANY & TROY, NY REGINALD E GUILDER LEVITE THERIAULT LARRY D POWERS ANNIE M SEYE HENRY A MINER JR THOMAS THURSTO STRAND MELVIN A STREETER 998- MILWAUKEE, WI EDDIE A WALTERS 308- CHICAGO, IL RUSSELL B TALKINGTON CHARLES L BRUSHWOOD 1342- BUFFALO, NY MICHAEL BROWN GERALDINE P TAYLOR FRANK D VETENGL GARY L DAVIES 22- WORCESTER, MA KENNETH CURTIS RAYMOND KRISNOSKY RONALD D BAKSTRAN PHILLIP EGGLESTON 690- FITCHBURG, MA 1001- DENVER, CO FRANK S ORLOWSKI NICK FIERAMOSCA ANTHONY A DELMONICO ELMER ALVERT HICKS 26- DETROIT, MI TERRY L HESTER 1374- CALGARY, AB CHARLES SIROONIAN L B JEFFRIES 694- SAN ANTONIO, TX 1005- MINNEAPOLIS & RICHARD M CLINE WILLIAM P KIESLING JOSE L BARRERA ST. PAUL, MN ANGUS DOUGLAS GALEY 85- PITTSBURGH, PA PATRICK D MAHON DEAN J GARETSON JACK C BOLLMAN BOBBY MC CREE 713- MEMPHIS, TN RICHARD C KERKVLIET 1415- TORONTO, ON JOHN LLOYD FARKOSH DANIEL N MILLER JOHN W AUSTIN DONALD J LAHD WILLIAM ALEXANDER DONALD C GRAHAM ANTHONY M MOORE GEORGE W CLOYS DONALD S OSHMAN WILLIAM GOTTSCHALK ROBERT C KUBIAK CLARA M SIMPSON TIMOTHY M PEREZ JOHN H LASKY BERNARD WALKER 725- BIRMINGHAM, AL STANLEY A THOMAS 1433- PHOENIX, AZ JAMES THOMAS REID JAMES V MESSICK ISAIAH R WILLIAMS JOSEPH RUBINOSKI 425- HARTFORD, CT MERTICE STOVER 1091- AUSTIN, TX DONALD PAUL SHERMAN JAMES M PETERS ERIC G TIMMES 1447- LOUISVILLE, KY 726- STATEN ISLAND, NY LESTER E MIDKIFF 107- HAMILTON, ON 569- EDMONTON, AB BENJAMIN V VALLESE 1181- NEW YORK, NY JAN GALAMA JUDY WILLMAN VICTOR CUTRONA 1464- TAMPA, FL 757- PORTLAND, OR JOSEPH D’AMBRA THOMAS W MORROW JOHNNY L SHORE 113- TORONTO, ON 583- CALGARY, AB FRANK J DE LILLO THEODORE R WILLIAMS GEORGE G B GASTON WILLIAM R PITT RALPH DELIO 779- SIOUX CITY, IA NICOLA IANNELLI JAMES M FAUVELL 1498- JOPLIN, MO WILLIAM D MC KENNA NAZZARENO LACARIA 587- SEATTLE, WA GLORIA FORTUNATO CHARLES E STORTS MATTHEW JOSEPH LAMONT WILLIAM J ETHERIDGE HARRY J GRECO 788- ST. LOUIS, MO GORDON MC PHIE GEORGE L VOLLER MARY LEACH TERRY L ANDERSON 1505- WINNIPEG, MB WALTER PAUL SCHULZ WILLIAM MC CARTHY RICHARD G FELDT WESLEY G CRUMP JOHN SEMBRAT 589- BOSTON, MA NICHOLAS NUZZI WILLIE W FERGUSON MARCEL LAGACE JOHN TRESCAK FERN A ALFORD MONILALL RAMJAS RICHARD HELLER LESLIE PARKIN GEORGE W TRIPP CHARLES P BRADLEY DONALD P KERN WILLIAM SLADE ROBERT B ROTCHIK WILLIAM JOSEPH ZAHRA DAVID J DALEY JAMES E ROCKWELL VINCENT C SPINELLI DANIELLE DE MASE MARIE VILNEUS 1517- IDAHO FALLS, ID 164- WILKES-BARRE, PA WILLIAM H MURPHY 812- CLARKSBURG, WV EDDIE W ANDERSEN JOHN R MACOSKY LAWRENCE NAVARRO JOHN R MARPLE 1182- ST. JOHN, NB PATRICK J NEE RICHARD F DAVEY 1564- DETROIT, MI 241- CHICAGO, IL JAY J WALDRON 819- NEWARK, NJ JACOB ROSKAM MAURICE CLAY MICHAEL CHIARELLA 1197- JACKSONVILLE, FL EVA COOK 618- PROVIDENCE, RI LEO FITZSIMMONS THOMAS M KIRBY 1614- DOVER, NJ JOHNNIE B CURRY DAVID A BOOTH CHARLES HART NORBERT THOMAS CHRIS STROYNOWSKI ARLENE EVERETT DONALD CHAMPLIN ROBERT J GAITHER RANDALL F KELLEY JR 824- NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ 1225- SAN FRANCISCO, CA 1624- PETERBOROUGH, ON HOSEAH JOHNSON JOSEPH DE MONICO DONALD L ZYSKI STANLEY HAMILTON EDWARD MC DONNELL 627- CINCINNATI, OH ROSE M OWENS PAUL OLIVER 825- ORADELL, NJ 1267- FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 1700- CHICAGO, IL MARCUS J SCOTT KENNETH LEHNERT THOMAS J BARLETTA FRANKLIN L COX THOMAS R SWOOPE 628- COVINGTON, KY ROBERT W PAPE JOHN A KEYS DORIS J THOMPSON KENNETH D MILES 1277- LOS ANGELES, CA EARL WALKER 836- GRAND RAPIDS, MI LARRY H KHAN 1764- WASHINGTON, DC 689- WASHINGTON, DC KENNETH F SWANSON SR ANTHONY M OWENS KAREN D DOLES 265- SAN JOSE, CA JAMES DAVID ANDERSON JOSE RAMIREZ LUIS RIVERA HENNING JENSEN THOMAS YARROW HACKETT 880- CAMDEN, NJ DAVID D MONDAINE DONALD F HARRISON THOMAS HENNESSEY 1279- JOHNSTOWN, PA JIMMY R MUNOZ ENRIQUE C IGLESIAS JAMES TOULSON BERNARD CONWAY JR

30 January/February 2014 | IN TRANSIT IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 31 Edmonton, AB: Transit priorities found in the ‘eye of the beholder’

The Edmonton, AB, city council made transit its highest priority at the end of 2013. But what that means has become a matter of debate in 2014.

Some members of the city council favor simply increasing population density with walkable neighborhoods and increased public transit, while others would do more to assist car travel as well.

But with vehicle travel increasing at three times the pace of population growth, the need to increase access to public transit would seem urgent. The council has decided to delay any decision until the city’s staff provides them with “data-supported” suggestions as to which way to go. v

Halifax drivers worried about tires in winter weather

Winter driving can be difficult under any circumstances especially with the harsh one this year, but it can be downright dangerous with inadequate tires. That’s why members of Local 508-Halifax, NS, are concerned that their buses just don’t have the right tires for the weather.

Metro Transit says that their buses use an aggressive traction, all season tire typically used for public transit. But some drivers say that’s not good enough. They need winter tires – particularly during this difficult winter in which the city’s street salting hasn’t kept up with the snow and ice.

Local President Ken Wilson also says Local 508 is doing research on tires and will be discussing the issue in the coming months. v

IN TRANSIT | January/February 2014 31 Amalgamated Transit Union NON-PROFIT ORG AFL-CIO/CLC US POSTAGE 5025 Wisconsin Ave., NW PAID LANCASTER,PA Washington, D.C.20016 PERMIT #1052 www.atu.org

STAY CONNECTED

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

It’s only fair...