BUS RAPID TRANSIT POINT—COUNTER POINT C.O.P.E. TRIP TO OLYMPIA JANUARY 2003 IS IT RIGHT FOR PUGET SOUND? HUSKY WORK ASSIGNMENTS BE PART OF THE PLAN Inside This Issue… Page 4 Page 7 Page 8

Check out our Web site: www.atu587.com VOL. XXVI, NO. 1 The President’s Report

by President Lance Norton

oversee legislation in Olympia. In preparation for the upcoming session this January we met on It is not acceptable that any December 13th at the West Coast SeaTac Hotel to discuss our pri- employee be disrespected and orities. Coming into this meeting I treated rudely, nor is it had one issue I felt our member- ship was most interested in, that acceptable that operators be being†to reduce the penalties for early retirement from PERS II. pushed to the limit. The difference between PERS I and PERS II is like night and entitlements. You can help by patch), scheduling issues, and day. As a matter of fact, PERS II writing, emailing or calling your operators not getting their re- ranks at the top of the list of the representative in Olympia. quired breaks and/or lunches. worst state pension plans in the In response to David’s letter Lance F. Norton United States. Currently, if a Access Service issues and this impromptu meeting with member retires under Plan II at Operator David Read, of Se- members of both Access service age 55 after 20 or 25 years ser- attle Personal Transit, published groups, I convened a special meet- Legislative Priorities vice, he/she loses 83% of the full in last months’’Letters to the ing on the evening of Wednesday, EGISLATIVE ISSUES ARE CRITI- pension entitlement that they Editor section of our News Re- December 11th, at the union hall. cally important to those would have received had they view, a letter outlining serious From MV Transportation I invited Lwho provide public trans- stayed until the mandatory re- concerns regarding their work- shop stewards Dobbie Boyington, portation. To that end, each ATU tirement age of 65! ing conditions. Immediately af- Mohamed Hassan, and Operator Local in the State of Washington I am most grateful that the ter the December Charter mem- Sheila Daniels. From SPT I in- belongs to the ATULC (Amal- other Legislative Council del- bership meeting, I met with a vited Executive Board Officer gamated Transit Union Legisla- egates unanimously agreed this very vocal group of our members Ninus Hopkins, Shop Stewards tive Council). Each local has one would be our main priority in from both MV and SPT to discuss Roscoe Seaman and Ed Taylor, voting delegate, usually the the upcoming legislative session. similar complaints. The opera- and Brother David Read. Repre- President/Business Representa- We will be lobbying hard to sup- tors’ concerns centered around senting the different management tive, or his/her appointee. The port legislation to reduce the in- how they were being rudely ad- teams were General Manager of Council employs a lobbyist to equities in the PERS II pension dressed by their call center (dis- continued on page 10

AMALGAMATED • TRANSIT • UNION NON PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE 2700 1st Avenue, Room 204 PAID Seattle, WA 98121 SEATTLE WA PERMIT NO 1471

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED 2 January 2003 The Month at a Glance Business of the Membership Executive Board Report

December 19, 2002 At the December 2002 cycle of morning meeting, Paul Haus- membership meetings the follow- mann at JTA. CTS pot draw All officers were present, with bonuses in 2001, and the com- ing business was conducted: winner was Ted Kroh. Rolling the exception of Chris Daniels pany had profits of $174 million; CTS pot draw of $300.00 was who was unable to attend. and, • Arbitration request for won by Elizabeth McGuffey. Brother Dwayne Hunter was ap- Congratulations, Elizabeth! The following business was WHEREAS, United Auto proved by the membership. Rolling CTS pot draw will be conducted: Workers Local 1832 has re- started fresh at $25.00 with the quested the support of the Se- • Clallam Transit members New Year. • Motion by Paul Bachtel to attle-area labor movement in its approved a motion to correct the keep the officer’s salaries at the effort to end the lockout and ne- motion made at the November Congratulations to all our tur- same percentage as last year. gotiate a new contract, 2002 CTS meeting, by setting key winners: Gloria Acosta, the summertime prime time va- Latrelle Gibson, Paul Bachtel, • Motion by Mike Rochon to THEREFORE BE IT RE- cation periods as the Friday be- Dee Wakenight, Bill Adams, Al take Jerry Kahn and Gary SOLVED, that Amalgamated fore Memorial Day to the Tues- Daraskavich, David Read, James Archer’s grievance to arbitration. Transit Union Local 587 pledges day after Labor Day, inclusive, Reese, Brian Sherlock, Glenn its full solidarity to the locked with the wintertime remaining Ruth, Milos Pavlovic, Jessica • Motion by Marc Auerbach to out members of UAW Local 1832 as set per the motion in the No- Hawkinson, Bob Tuttle, David move adoption of the following in their just struggle to defend vember 2002 CTS meeting. Earl, Howard Gorlick, Daniel resolution regarding the their jobs and win a fair con- Kramer, Troy McKelvey, Jay Peterbilt lockout: tract. The following members were Proctor, Ken Milliser, Terecia December pot draw winners: Acorn, Linda Stern, Juanita Rap- WHEREAS the Bellevue- • Motion by Mike Rochon to Ramy Khalil at the Charter ids, Joe Mangiameli, Jay Win- based PACCAR company locked participate in the King 5 pro- meeting, Mike Brancheau at the ters and Claire Schwarze. out 750 members of United Auto gram for 30 second commercials Workers Local 1832 at its for getting the word out on labor Peterbilt heavy truck factory in unions and purchase the exclu- Madison, Tennessee on Septem- sive sponsorship at a cost of ber 2nd, with no advance warn- $1873.00. Tentative Agenda ing; and, • Motion by Brian Sherlock to Membership Meetings: WHEREAS, PACCAR began authorize engaging Herman negotiations with UAW Local Lindsey, CPA, to perform the 1832 by demanding severe con- annual ATU audit. CHARTER MEETING JEFFERSON TRANSIT cessions, but refused to provide Thursday, January 2, 2003 Monday, January 6, 2003 the union with basic informa- • Motion by Shirley Walker to 8:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m. tion to support their demands; contribute $200 to the King IBEW Hall Auditorium Port Townsend Rec Center and, County Labor Council Martin 2700 1st Ave., Seattle, WA Port Townsend, WA Luther King celebration commit- WHEREAS, PACCAR’s five tee in support of that celebra- MORNING MEETING CLALLAM TRANSIT top executives took home $2.4 tion. Friday, January 3, 2003 Tuesday, January 7, 2003 million in salary increases and 10:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. IBEW Hall Auditorium Vern Burton Memorial 2700 1st Ave., Seattle, WA Building, Port Angeles, WA In Loving Memory… Among topics to be discussed: Arbitration update, update on Access service working conditions, When you are sorrowful look again in your upcoming legislative session priorities. heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Arbitration request by Brothers Jerry Kahn and Gary Archer will —Kahlil Gibran be brought before the membership for consideration. Robert Murray, passed and family members who will Unfinished Business: away December 9, 2002, after a miss him dearly. battle with cancer. Brother There is no unfinished business for the month of January. Murray joined Local 587 in 1987 Howie Picht, passed away as a Part-time Operator, going December 15th, 2002. Howie Full-time in 1991. Brother was one time Manager of Op- Murray was an active member erations at Metro. He retired Happy out of Central Base, and leaves in January of 1982 and was 83 behind many coworkers, friends at the time of his passing.

New Year! Please notify the union office of any member’s passing so that this information may be shared with the rest of our union family.

OFFICERS OF THE AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION, LOCAL 587: Letters to the editor LANCE F. NORTON Pres/Business Representative Minority Affairs Officer SHIRLEY WALKER Letters/contributions must include sig- email – [email protected] Transit Operator Position No. 1 MARC AUERBACH Transit Operator Position No. 2 LINDA R. ANDERSON natures, work ID number, addresses Transit Operator Position No. 3 DEE WAKENIGHT GLEN A. TRAVIS Vice President/Assistant Transit Operator Position No. 4 BRIAN SHERLOCK and telephone numbers that can be veri- Business Representative Transit Operator Position No. 5 DANIEL T. LINVILLE Transit Operator Position No. 6 PAUL BACHTEL fied during office hours. Letters that email – [email protected] Transit Operator Position No. 7 JOHN FARRELL cannot be validated will not be pub- Transit Operator Position No. 8 KATHERINE ECKHARDT Published monthly in Seattle. PAUL L. GRIFFIN Financial Secretary Vehicle Maintenance Position No. 1 MIKE ROCHON lished. All articles/letters are subject to Vehicle Maintenance Position No. 2 MIKE WHITEHEAD email – [email protected] Vehicle Maintenance Position No. 3 JOHN BELLINGER editing and should be limited to 350 Official publication of Amalgamated Facilities Maintenance LISA CARTER words or less. Not all letters can be Transit Union Local 587, AFL-CIO, JENNIE L. GIL Recording Secretary/ Special Classifications CHRIS DANIELS Editor 587 News Review Supervisors PAUL NEIL published due to space limitations. Cut representing employees of Metro/King Clallam/Jefferson County JOE MANGIAMELI email – [email protected] off date is the 15th of each month. County, Clallam Transit, Jefferson SPT NINUS HOPKINS Transit, Seattle Personal Transit, Web site: http://www.atu587.com Clallam Paratransit, and MV Transit. Send letters to: 2700 First Avenue WEINGARTEN RIGHTS STATEMENT Seattle, Washington 98121 Jennie Gil, Editor Telephone: 206-448-8588. I request to have a union representative present on my c/o ATU Local 587 behalf during this meeting because I believe it may lead to News Review Affiliations: Washington State Labor Council, disciplinary action taken against me. If I am denied my right to King County Labor Council, Northwest Joint 2700 First Avenue, Rm 204 Conference Board, ATU Legislative Council, have a union representative present, I will refuse to answer Olympic Labor Council. accusational questions and any I believe may lead to discipline. Seattle, WA 98121 January 2003 3 The “T” Word By Marc Auerbach, ATU 587 Executive Board Officer

VER THE LAST FEW YEARS I’VE and opinions, whatever they may burden low and middle-income healthy economy and to meet the learned that if there’s a be (but please hold on to your families; and, public needs of our state; includ- Osurefire way to get people rotten tomatoes). You can e-mail ing education, health and human angry it’s this: start talking me at marc587@ earthlink.net or WHEREAS, the Washington services. about the “T” word, i.e. taxes. find me at Atlantic Base. Tax Fairness Coalition is a broad So, be prepared to get angry. coalition of labor, community, and 5) The tax system and the uses of We are facing a number of WHEREAS, studies have faith-based organizations that has tax revenue should be clearly major challenges in the next few shown that low and middle-in- come together to develop funda- understandable to the people of years that will demand innova- come families in Washington pay mental tax reforms that will make this state. tive and aggressive strategies a much larger share of their in- our tax system more fair and from the union. One of those chal- come in taxes than upper-income stable; and, 6) The tax system should be easy lenges is the spiraling cost of families; and, to comply with and easy to ad- health care, which I wrote about WHEREAS, the Washington minister. a few issues back. Another is our WHEREAS, voter frustration Tax Fairness Coalition has de- lousy tax system, and the anger with the state’s unfair tax sys- veloped the following set of guid- THEREFORE BE IT RE- it provokes. If we do not get a tem has been repeatedly misdi- ing principles: SOLVED, that Amalgamated Tran- handle on these issues we will rected into ill-conceived ballot sit Union Local 587 endorses the find ourselves in an ugly box initiatives that harm public ser- 1) The tax system should be fair. Washington Tax Fairness Coali- when it comes time to negotiate vices, without making taxes more tion statement of principles, and; contracts with public employers fair or fixing the fundamental 2) The tax system should be a who are severely constrained by problems; and, system in which people and busi- FURTHER BE IT RE- rising health care costs and de- nesses with higher income/profit SOLVED, that Amalgamated clining revenues. WHEREAS, both the state pay at least as high a percentage Transit Union Local 587 will And, if we in Organized Labor government and local govern- of their income as people/busi- promote discussion and aware- do not become the leading force ments are facing significant fis- nesses with moderate and lower ness among the membership in the fight for fairer tax system, cal crises; and, incomes. about the need for fundamental the voters of this state will con- reforms to our tax system; and, tinue to support destructive mea- WHEREAS, Big Business 3) The tax system should pro- sures that send a message of lobby groups want to solve the vide a more stable stream of rev- FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, dissatisfaction, but actually fiscal crisis on the backs of work- enue during times of economic that Amalgamated Transit Union make our problems worse. ing families through privati- growth and during times of eco- Local 587 calls upon the elected I am planning to introduce the zation, cuts in public employee nomic recession. officials of Washington State to following motion at the January wages and benefits, cuts in pub- put the needs of working families Executive Board meeting. Before lic services, and tax and fee in- 4) The tax system should provide first as they enter into budget I do, I would like your thoughts creases that disproportionately sufficient revenue to promote a deliberations. It’s Your Union By Dee Wakenight & Cathy Donalds

HANK YOU ALL SO MUCH (KCLA) for their programs. Life tions to their homes, building special elf, for all the time for your generosity this is uncertain: we never know ramps, installing grab bars and and effort she dedicated to T holiday season. Without when it may be we who go to the such. Normally there is a union this project. your assistance the holiday KCLA for help. carpenter doing the work. Coming up on our event cal- project undertaken by the Se- The KCLA is available year You are officially invited to endar for 2003: at the May Char- attle Chapter of the Latino Cau- round to assist members of labor become a part of this facet of ter Meeting the SCLC will be cus (SCLC), would never have unions who need a little help. Local 587. The title is: the Se- celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Come achieved fabulous results for Year round donations are ac- attle Chapter of the ATU Latino and enjoy the food and meet the brothers and sisters in the labor cepted, food is always welcome, Caucus, (SCLC). Working to- Caucus members. Or better yet, movement who were temporarily and believe it or not, so is cash. gether we all win. Committees be on the lookout for a meeting financially challenged. Thanks Call them to see what the cur- and caucuses are part of the notice and join us then. to your support the SCLC was rent needs are; if you are able to greater whole. The SCLC is an able to make a record setting help, time is a great donation. opportunity to learn some- donation of food and toys to the Volunteers have been known to thing new and to assist King County Labor Agency assist those needing modifica- others. If you don’t know how to get involved with the union, try getting involved Arbitration Update with one of the smaller caucuses or committees. Once again, 1. Kenny McCormick: for January 7th and 9th, 2003. thank you to all Grieved failure to follow that donated to FLSA requirements for 3. Carl Inman, et.al.: Grieved this project. travel time for board/report/ improper assignment of over- Thanks to ATL operators. Grievance time at Bellevue Base, Main- the caucus being held in abeyance while tenance. Arbitration sched- members who helped issue pursued in court. uled for February 13th, 2003. with the boxes. 2. Patricia McWilliams: 4. Dwayne Hunter: Grieved Special termination due to suspended Grieved termination due to thanks go suspended license. Arbi- license. Arbitration request to Mary tration held October 28 and approved by the membership Newton, 29, 2002. at the December 2002 cycle of SCLC mem- Further dates scheduled meetings. Schedule pending. ber and our own 4 January 2003 Everything You Wanted to Know About BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) …but didn’t know who to ask.

Compiled by Carl C. Jackson, Atlantic Base Operations

RAFFIC IS BAD!! WHAT’S • Dulles Corridor, VA – Dulles new? Well, traffic is so Corridor Bus Rapid Transit T bad that here in Wash- ington state, businesses are fold- • Eugene, OR – Pilot East-West ing up their tents and going Corridor Our Puget Sound traffic home. And, for these companies, home is where the easy flow of • Hartford, CT — Hartford-New is now affecting the traffic is, wherever that is! Britain Busway We hear from the media, our state’s economy to the neighbors, and shortsighted poli- • Honolulu, HI – CityExpress! ticians that light rail won’t solve point that many jobs are our traffic problems. No, it won’t. • Miami, FL – South Miami- The monorail won’t solve our Dade Busway being lost. traffic problems…no, it won’t. In fact the only thing that will, other • San Jose, CA – Line 22 Rapid than just plain old “keeping- Transit Corridor your-butt-at-home”, is a bal- anced approach with transit • San Juan, PR – Rio Hondo lated from normal street traffic vehicles on arterials and other OPTIONS!! Connector Bus Rapid Transit wherever possible. high-capacity streets can pro- One mode of transportation In Seattle, we came so close to duce improved traffic flow for does NOT fit all travelers. You More to the point, in almost having a full-up version of a BRT ALL vehicles. can’t take a jet plane from Kent all cases, most of the original that I often wonder what it would A high percentage of travel to Downtown Seattle. But, you BRT systems have been extended be like had we gone out the other time can be saved, even on short can take Sound Transit’s several times in the last few side of the bus tunnel into North trips, by installing priority traf- “Sounder” commuter rail. You years. The Metro Rapid BRT in Seattle. BRT systems mean more fic signals at intersections that can also take a Metro bus, but Los Angeles has attracted many work for us as drivers. Imagine a normally restrict the flow of traf- then you get stuck in the same new customers to the point that large BRT system right here in fic by not having synchronized traffic as everyone else (but at the LA County Transportation the Puget Sound region. Imag- signaling. BRT systems in Pitts- least you get to kick back and let Board (LAMTA) just approved ine clean, air conditioned, burgh and Ottawa have reported someone else do the driving) for an additional 350 miles of BRT smooth running BRT lines run- time savings ranging from 32% however long. You say that light in Los Angeles with the man- ning through Pierce, King and to 47% — during peak travel rail is sooooo expensive. True, it date that two new Metro Rapid Snohomish counties separated times! IS expensive! But at least, if it BRT routes be implemented ev- from I-5, I-405, and Hwy 99 by Our Puget Sound traffic is now were built correctly, light rail ery six months! concrete barriers—wide enough affecting the state’s economy to would have a dedicated Right- In Australia, ridership of the to allow buses to pass each other the point that many jobs are be- Of-Way so that trains can just BRT system in Adelaide (the O- and stops placed far enough ing lost. Those of you reading sail right through traffic. So, Bahn) has had a 76% patronage apart to allow for 70-Mph high this article may not even care what else is there? gain and the Brisbane busway speed running! because YOU have a county job. BRT or Bus Rapid Transit! has had a 42% gain in ridership In the United States, the tran- But, guess what! Unless those BRT is a success around the since opening in 2001. Several sit industry is working with bus lost jobs are replaced, many of world in places like Pittsburgh, North American cities have gone manufacturers to develop more those bus routes that YOU drive Miami, Quito (Ecuador), and a step further and built busways attractive and reliable vehicles, will start showing drastically re- Ottawa (Canada). In fact, The in the median of interstate high- much like the New Flyer 60-foot duced ridership, mainly because Federal Transit Administration ways, much like rapid transit “Parallel-Hybrid” bus that is no one needs to take the bus to (FTA) is currently providing systems in Chicago and Wash- currently being tested by King work!! funding for the following sys- ington, D.C. The systems have County Metro and the Allison What can we do about this tems: what we would call “Flyer Stops” Transmission division of Gen- situation? Lots of things…get out but they are only accessible by eral Motors. This bus is both and vote! And not just for any old • Boston, MA – Silver Line pedestrian ramps from Park & aesthetically pleasing and envi- brain-dead politician either! Ride lots that are adjacent to the ronmentally friendly because it Find out what options there are • Charlotte, NC – Independence highway. In Houston, Texas and drastically reduces fuel usage for transit and insist that your Corridor Hamilton, Ontario, the BRT sys- and harmful emissions. local government do more with tems have dedicated buses to BRT offers other benefits as your tax dollars. Your livelihood • Cleveland, OH – Euclid Corri- provide fast express services all well. Research shows that expe- depends on it. dor Transportation Project day because the busways are iso- diting the movement of transit January 2003 5 Vehicle Maintenance

By Executive Board Officers Mike Rochon, Mike Whitehead & John Bellinger

ELL WE’VE BEEN ASKED the hearings. He determined enough times, “Where that Metro’s brand of industrial W are the Articles?” that justice was to be judge, jury and If any member has questions, it’s finally sunk in. We apologize executioner all in one. Although to all of you in VM and admit the member was not reinstated concerns, or suggestions they would that we’ve been kind of lax the he did receive a sizable mon- last few months. Apparently etary award. At least this mem- like the group to discuss, please let us some of you do actually read our ber got the opportunity to have stuff so we are going to take this his day in court. This was only know. You can contact us thru e-mail opportunity to inform you of some possible because of the support of the things that have been go- of Vehicle Maintenance. (go to the 587 Web site for addresses) ing on. Then, as most of you are aware, there were three VM or through your shop steward, or call Arbitrations employees who were terminated There was only one VM arbi- for inappropriate use of email. one of us, we will respond. tration this year, due to a termi- They were denied through the nation for a second positive. It grievance process. Then with the was a long-standing member that support of Vehicle Maintenance was very close to retirement. Ve- members again, voted to go to forms. This grievance was re- Another guest we have requested hicle Maintenance members arbitration. Before arbitration solved at first step per remedy is Loraine Patterson, who is new turned out in force to support these members were rein- sought. If you have any ques- to the Agency. Currently she is in their fellow Union brother and stated… well enough said about tions on this please contact a HR/Labor relations. It is Labors voted to go to arbitration. It has that. shop steward of E-Board Officer. collective opinion (1 meeting only been a while since this member- so far) that she adds a profes- ship has voted to take a second NRV and vacations VMLRC sional and positive attitude to the positive to arbitration. Our pre- Now for something completely The VMLMRC Group has group. We will see how long we vious track record hasn’t been different. In our current labor made a commitment to meet can keep her involved, if for no very good in these cases and most agreement we negotiated two again on a regular monthly ba- other reason than that her pres- don’t even get pursued. In this things that require a yearly re- sis. Page 117 of the Labor Agree- ence forces us to act civil. If any particular case management de- view to decide whether to extend ment defines the function of this member has questions, con- nied the grievance at both steps new language or revert back to group. Up until Mike Rochon’s cerns, or suggestions they based on the fact that the mem- old language. The first is a one- termination this group was meet- would like the group to dis- ber violated a previous reinstate- year pick at NRV and the other ing regularly. While we were able cuss, please let us know. You ment or “last chance” agreement. is language allowing a minimum to accomplish some our objec- can contact us thru e-mail (go This is a position that manage- of 10% of mechanics on picked tives, the group had its ups and to the 587 Web site for ad- ment almost always takes on re- vacation time in any one week. downs. During Mike’s absences dresses) or through your shop instatement agreements because President Norton has signed the the group did not meet due to steward, or call one of us, we there are lots of previous arbi- MOA extending both of these for concerns of fellow VM officers. will respond. tration rulings that have upheld 2003. So at the February 2003 Upon Mike’s return the group Until next time, think about an employer’s right to terminate shakeup, employees will be able has only met a few times down- this… if the employee has broken a to pick in or out of NRV for one town at King St. We requested “With all their faults, trade- binding contract between the em- year and mechanics will continue that these meetings be held at unions have done more for hu- ployer and the employee. Basi- to have 10% of the classification the bases again as they have in manity than any other organiza- cally, a last chance agreement is off on vacation. the past. We will again be in a tion of men that ever existed. They exactly what it says it is, a last position to ask shop stewards to have done more for decency, for chance. Luckily, this particular Sick Leave attend the meetings as a guest. honesty, for education, for the bet- arbitrator looked at this case a A grievance was filed last June We are putting together agen- terment of the race, for the devel- little differently. He ruled that that affects all VM members. The das and notes, with some bugs to oping of character in man, than the Labor Agreement cannot be grievance was on the new sick still be worked out. We will also any other association of men.” circumvented by a reinstatement leave language in the contract be able to spend some time talk- —Clarence Darrow (1857- agreement in regards to just and how it was being imple- ing with members while at the 1938), U.S. lawyer, writer. cause and that the member had mented. Specifically, there was Bases (20 minutes allowed, per VM, we can make a differ- been denied his due process at an issue with some of the new previous grievance response). ence… When it Comes to On The Job Injuries and L&I, Shop Stewards Can Help

By Executive Board Officer Linda Anderson

F YOU’VE EVER HAD TO FILE A Clallam, JTA, and Metro volun- Getting Started you need from your employer or claim with Washington teered to attend. at your doctor’s office. Metro is IState Labor and Industries, Start by writing an incident self-insured, and you can get an you know how important it can be Document Everything! report as soon as you think you L&I packet from your Supervi- to have a little help navigating The number one rule for ev- might have sustained an injury. sor or at the window. The other the system. Fortunately, that help eryone to remember is to docu- If it turns out you don’t need to properties we represent are in- is here! Last month, 587 Record- ment, document, document! take time off as a result of your sured through the Washington ing Secretary Jennie Gil, taught a Begin with an incident report injury, no harm is done. But later State Labor and Industries fund. short class on some of the many and continue to record every doc- on, if you start to have problems, We are fortunate to have a plan ins and outs of On the Job Injuries tor visit, every letter, every that incident report could be run by the People and for the and dealing with L&I. The Shop phone call, every message left, critical to the approval of your People of this State, instead of Steward Committee hosted the right down to the date and time claim. by a private provider as is found event, and 20 of your Stewards of every unreturned phone call To begin a claim, you can get in most other states. and E-Board Officers from M.V., from your L&I claim manager. the paperwork and instructions continued on page 8 6 January 2003 Letters to the Editor…

dent eyewitness accounts to back ought to be. But I knew in this where our overzealous supervi- A Picture IS Worth a up my version of the events that case I was innocent, and to say sor claimed it to be. Thousand Words! led to the accident. The other the least I was beside myself! driver, a 21 year old male, was Being a rather naive full-time Moral to this story? Spend the Let me share with my fellow charged with reckless driving driver, with little experience few dollars necessary to carry with transit drivers a personal story. and later, in a real court of law, dealing in these matters, I you at all times, while at work, a One that you might find of value found guilty. thought surely any reasonable disposable camera. Make sure sometime in your career. I hope individual would see things my you get a fresh camera at least you’ll never have need to heed However, in light of the inves- way. At the very least the wit- every twelve months. Should you my advice but, just in case. tigating supervisor’s zeal to place ness statements which verified be faced with the unfortunate cir- the blame on me, under the my innocence would be sufficient cumstance of being involved in an Several years ago I was in- guise of “road-rage” (a whole to clear me of any wrongdoing. accident, don’t move your coach volved in a two-vehicle accident other story), and in the expert But let me tell you my fellow until you’ve taken lots of pictures while driving an inbound route opinion of a Metro Safety Officer, union brothers and sisters, it from several points of view. Make 36, southbound on Jackson St. I was told the accident would ain’t necessarily so! sure you have close-ups as well as at Maynard Ave. I won’t go into likely come back as a “Prevent- shots from a distance showing as the nasty details but the incident able.” Now I understand that, as I am happy to report that in much of the scene as possible. was clearly the fault of the other professionals, we are held to a the final analysis the accident Should the circumstances be in driver. I had several indepen- higher standard, just as we was eventually deemed “non-pre- question you’ll want as many pic- ventable.” This decision didn’t tures as possible to defend your- come easy however. A couple of self. SEND IN YOUR OPINIONS NOTICE TO ALL READERS heart-to-heart discussions by an Executive Board member on Be part of those who plan Letters/contributions must include sig- my behalf, as well as a meeting ahead and are well prepared. natures, work ID number, addresses Views and between myself and the Safety Even with favorable witnesses it and telephone numbers that can be veri- Officer finally brought forth a is management’s propensity to fied during office hours. Letters that opinions expressed just decision. What saved the require other proof that you’re cannot be validated will not be pub- lished. All articles/letters are subject to in News Review day for me wasn’t the brilliant not guilty, so photos can save editing and should be limited to 350 oratory of my union representa- the day. Believe me, if faced with words or less. Not all letters can be articles are those tive, although that always helps, an accident investigation, man- published due to space limitations. Cut nor was it my own enlightened agement will use everything they off date is the 15th of each month. Send abilities of persuasion. Rather it can to prove you failed to safely letters to: of the authors and was photographs that proved my operate your coach, so you’ll need Jennie Gil not necessarily the case. Photographs that I took at every advantage. It’ll be up to News Review Editor the scene of the accident, using you to prove your case because c/o ATU Local 587 official position of 2700 First Avenue, Rm 204 an inexpensive disposable cam- with Metro, you’d better believe Seattle, WA 98121 Local 587 era, is what saved my hide and it, you’re guilty until you prove ultimately made the difference. otherwise. Without them I am sure the final decision would have been Don’t underestimate the value an unfavorable one. of pictures you can take yourself. They’re cheap insurance and I The old adage that a picture is highly recommend them. Besides A Busdriver’s worth a thousand words was you’ll have good stories to tell your proven accurate. My photo- grandchildren, and with illustra- graphs showed incontrovertibly tions to boot! Be safe out there Twelve Days of that the point of impact, and the and always remember: “C.Y.A.” debris as a result, was in fact should always be your motto! where I had always said it was. Rick Gleason, Christmas It was not thirty feet behind Central Base Operations By Jami Lacey, #11070 South Operations On the 12th Day of Christmas Upcoming Metro gave to me: 12 Drunkards Drinking at Local 587 11 Cars piled up JANUARY 2 — Vehicle pick time, you may enter the 10 Losers Weeping Maintenance Lead pick, 8:00 room twenty minutes ahead a.m. Please see your bulle- of your pick time. 9 Ladies Fighting tin boards for further infor- mation. JANUARY 10, 11, 12 — 8 Expired Transfers Northwest Conference JANUARY 2 through 15 — Executive Board meeting, 7 Sleepers snoring Full-time Operator pick, Phoenix AZ. Central/Atlantic Base, upstairs in the classroom. JANUARY 14, 15 and 16 — 6 Crazy Reroutes Please make sure you check Vehicle Maintenance pick, the seniority list for your locations to be posted. 5 Minute Layovers pick time, you may enter the room twenty minutes ahead JANUARY 30 — COPE 4 Called in complaints of your pick time. Lobby Day in Olympia. Look for further information on 3 French tourists JANUARY 4, 5, 11 and 12 your union bulletin boards. — Part-time pick Operator, 2 Wheelchairs Central Atlantic Base, FEBRUARY 1 — Spring upstairs in the quiet room. Shakeup begins for Vehicle and a Broken Breda Please make sure you check Maintenance and Opera- parked on Lane 3. the seniority list for your tions. January 2003 7

Letters to the Editor… Point—Counter Point

Husky Work Assignment Process By Paul J. Bachtel, Executive Board Officer

Two years ago, in the summer cause this new assignment pro- Pro: (6) Pre-picking Husky service of 2000, I made a proposal to the cess to expire February 01, 2003, (1) Pre-picking Husky service allows those who wish to work the Executive Board to pre-pick unless the Union and Metro agree provides eight days notice as to less desirable assignments that I Husky work prior to each game. in writing to an extension. The whether or not I will be working. don’t want, an opportunity to work The proposal contained numer- Union must now decide whether Now I can plan my Saturday a overtime they would otherwise ous monetary and working condi- or not to agree to an extension. week in advance. miss. tion guarantees beneficial to Full- I am in favor of an extension of (2) Pre-picking Husky service (7) And last but not least, pre- time Operators working Husky this new pick process, and I am allows me to only bid for assign- picking Husky service helps as- service. The Executive Board, in also aware there are some who ments that are both pre- and sure Metro can fill all assign- its infinite wisdom, voted down are not. I forwarded this article to post- game, with that beloved, ments. The reason I submitted my proposal. those I know of who have ex- paid, long split in the middle my original proposal to the Ex- One year later, during contract pressed their dissatisfaction of the (Not one of those small post-game ecutive Board was due to assign- negotiations, management edited new pick process to allow those trippers). ments not being filled, and the my original proposal and submit- individuals time to write an ar- (3) Pre-picking Husky service possibility of losing this most cov- ted a revised version of my Husky ticle opposing the extension this allows me to avoid being assigned eted overtime to a sub-contractor. service proposal as a management assignment process. That way supplementary service on regu- The only con argument I have proposal. In all fairness, manage- both a pro and con opinion can larly scheduled work, rather than heard that makes sense to me is ment tried to write what manage- appear simultaneously in the a Husky special. that there are those who wish to ment considered to be a revenue News Review. I further concur (4) Pre-picking Husky service be available all day in hopes of neutral proposal of benefit to both with President Norton’s decision assures me I will only be assigned being assigned the most overtime. sides of the bargaining table. The to leave the extension of this Husky special work and not some By being pre-assigned Husky dur- new Husky proposal was included provision up to the Operators. I piece of regular work that hap- ing the middle of the day they may as one of the many changes in the will be making a motion to ex- pens to fall within the time limits be assigned less total overtime. I 2001 labor agreement. The union tend this Husky special assign- listed on a Regular Day Off find it hard to believe anyone leadership decided this proposal ment pick process at the Charter (R.D.O.) overtime request slip. would pass up the best overtime would be best if it provided an meeting following the printing (5) Pre-picking Husky service Metro has to offer for a few dollars escape clause should the Opera- of this article. I hope to see you, allows me to avoid a park and ride more in regular work. You be the tors feel that the previous system pro or con on this issue, at the lot or vehicle type (Breda) I don’t judge, come and vote pro or con at was better. A flush provision will union meeting. wish to drive. the next union meeting.

Husky Overtime By Ben Apo, East Base Shop Steward

The recent change to the over- day, in violation of Article 15, ment wants operators to pick all niority violations. Article 15, time assignment sequence con- Section 10, Paragraph D.1, Page Husky games scheduled for the Section 10, Paragraph “K”, Page cerning Husky overtime work 89. season at pick rather than one 90, states this new process will has resulted in unfair overtime East Base extra-board opera- game at a time. Personally, I expire on February 01, 2003 un- assignments to extra-board op- tors in particular, due to the strongly disagree with this due less the Union and Metro agree erators on their regular work- availability of operators from to the fact that some people don’t to an extension. It is my under- day. In the past, extra-board Bellevue Base, are getting want to work night games, have standing that Executive Board operators on their regular work- screwed. With all the overtime vacations planned, or cannot Officer Paul Bachtel plans to day who chose to work weekends being assigned to Bellevue Base commit to all the games at one make a motion at the January were first in the overtime as- operators before the East Base time. Operators should be al- charter meeting to continue this signment process. Now they are extra-board assignment process, lowed the freedom to pick and new assignment process. If we having their seniority violated East Base extra-board operators chose when we want to work don’t vote against this motion, because management is manipu- on their regular workday do not overtime. the Union and Metro will agree lating the system. This new sys- get a chance to get any Husky Allowing a seniority violation in writing to an extension and tem passes up extra-board op- overtime. like this to continue leaves ev- open the door to future seniority erators on their regular work- It is rumored that manage- eryone vulnerable to future se- violations.

I Don’t Feel Special About Husky Specials By Executive Board Officer Dan Linville

In his letter outlining the ad- cated for drivers and base plan- ners in total control of our lives. At South Base the coach as- vantages of continuing with the ners. It is also restrictive and I, however, admit that I would signments for Husky work is new practice of Husky Special provides benefits to only a few. rather have the flexibility to wait completely random. Picking assignments, my fellow Execu- Why keep it? until 10 a.m. the day before a eight days in advance will get tive Board Officer Paul Bachtel Brother Bachtel touts this new Husky game to decide if I am you the Park and Ride of your admits that he couldn’t convince process as providing assurance going to work on my RDO or take choice, but not the equipment of his fellow Executive Board Of- for drivers who can now request the day off. Being locked into your choice. ficers to adopt his proposal in Husky work two weeks in ad- overtime eight days in advance But like so many things, the 2000. Through whatever machi- vance and know an entire eight is not always an advantage. I decision to continue is up to the nations, real or rumored, it came days in advance what piece of prefer flexibility. participatingmembership. I urge up during the 2001 contract ne- Husky work they will be as- As for all of Brother Bachtel’s you to attend the January mem- gotiations. It is now part of our signed. I agree this is the plan’s other arguments, I’m not im- bership meeting. I urge you to Labor Agreement but must be principal advantage. It is also pressed. Maybe they work at voice your position. And, I urge approved to be continued. I rec- its greatest disadvantage. North Base, but not at South you to vote for driver flexibility. ommend killing it. We all like to think of our- Base. Vote no to restrictions. This new process is compli- selves as well organized plan- 8 January 2003

continued from p.5 Shop Stewards Help with L&I, Metro, you have Contractual pro- sible second job, it can really tection of your normal health help to talk to someone with in- Go see your doctor right away. Once you send in the claim, benefits for 260 days. Our other formation and experience. A doctor must fill out the L&I you will receive a determination bargaining units have a variety Don’t hesitate to seek out one of paperwork stating that your in- from L&I as to whether or not of protections for their health the Stewards who attended the jury is work-related. they accept your claim as valid. coverage, ranging from the stan- training to help you find the an- This could take some time. If you dard twelve weeks offered by the swers to your questions. If you What to Expect want to appeal, it would be a FMLA, to ongoing coverage un- think you may need legal assis- The determination of what is good idea to talk to a Steward or til you are either able to return tance, or other help, including an L&I qualified injury or ill- other Union Representative. or are determined not to be able reduced Union dues for those not ness if whether or not it hap- Your rate of pay is generally to return to your position. Check on the payroll, help from the King pened as a result of your job 60% of what you grossed in the your individual labor agree- County Labor Agency food bank, duties, or occurred while you previous year. All of your medi- ments for what applies to you. and other resources, contact a were “on the job.” In general, “on cal expenses directly related to Steward or call the Union office. the job” means “on the clock,” the on the job injury are covered. Help is Here! Taking good care of ourselves but some situations are consid- If you are Part Time at Metro, The rules and regulations ap- and following all safety rules can ered “on the job,” and some are your usual health coverage is plying to L&I are complex. When save a lot of grief. But accidents not. If you are not sure what also protected by King County you start figuring in Long and and injuries do happen. Should qualifies, again, contact the Family Medical Leave for 18 Short Term Disability, FMLA, you need us, your Stewards and Union for assistance. weeks. If you are Full Time at and KCFML, light duty, a pos- Officers are here to help! How to be Part of The Plan By Carl C. Jackson, ATU 587 COPE Committee Member

APPY NEW YEAR. AND gain understanding and insight committee meet- this IS a new year. Now, into how, in the bigger scheme, ing. It is an oppor- Hwith that said, do you everything is tied together, and tunity to see how want to be part of the plan? Have what makes it all work. If I have things really work, you wondered how you CAN your attention, please, read on… and the best and make a difference? There is Good, now you’ve gotten this most effective way something that you can do to far. So at this point, I’ll just put (short of buying start out this New Year, which it on the table! What could you your very own poli- just may change your life. Not do that might change your life? tician) to change only will you be working to pro- Participate in the political pro- things and get in- tect all our jobs, you may also be cess. Thursday, January 30th, volved. Who helping to gain improvements in 2003, Local 587’s Committee on knows, you may our work environment. You may Political Education (COPE) will even be inspired to be sending a bus to Olym- become a Precinct pia to give our members Committee Officer the opportunity to meet for your party of and greet their elected of- choice. This grass ficials. This is an opportu- roots level is where nity to voice your ideas di- all the politicians rectly to your elected rep- started. PCO to- resentatives and provide day, possibly County Executive Mia Segal and Marc them input on what’s re- or Governor tomorrow! For all Auerbach instruct and choreograph ally important to you and you know, you may have a life the participants. your labor community. altering experience. ATU Legislative Coun- cil lobbyist Sherry Apple- ton will get us off to a proper start with a 30- minute briefing prior to the scheduled meetings with our legislators. There will also be optional tours of the Capitol, the opportu- nity to watch a session, and perhaps even sit in on a

Larry Moss and Margaret Schultz relaxed on the long ride to At last year’s Lobby Day, Carl Jackson, Esther Hankerson and Willie Middleton Olympia. listened in during briefings received prior to meeting with their legislators.

(Please print clearly)

Name: ______I.D.: ______

Address:______

City: ______State: ______Zip: ______

Worksite:______Legislative District: ______

Phone: ______Email: ______

Send to: ATU Local 587 • c/o C.O.P.E. • 2700 First Avenue, Rm 204 • Seattle, WA 98121 January 2003 9 Labor Neighbor Beats Back Corporate Power Grab

By Executive Board Officer Marc Auerbach

ORPORATE W ASHINGTON AND of Representatives, but lost the • Weaken environmental and health care more affordable their well-funded PACs majority in the State Senate. health and safety regulations and accessible. Cpushed hard to win con- While most (but not all) labor- that protect workers and com- trol of our State Legislature in endorsed candidates this year munities from corporate As a result of the recession the November elections. were Democrats, the Labor abuse; and years of tax giveaways to But thousands of union volun- Neighbor program is entirely Big Business, Washington state teers, including dozens of ATU independent of the two major • Lower unemployment benefits; is facing a severe budget crisis. members, pushed back by partici- parties. This allows organized Union members will need to work pating in the Washington State labor to set the agenda. We talk • Undermine the minimum hard to make sure the Legisla- Labor Council’s Labor Neighbor about the issues WE care about. wage; ture does not solve the crisis on program. They volunteered eve- We develop a grass-roots politi- the backs of working families nings and weekends to educate cal movement that WE control. • Make working families pay for and public employees. fellow union members about the This means we build power for the budget crisis with cuts in This means pressuring our candidates’ positions on issues like ourselves instead of handing our services and higher fees (e.g. elected officials (including those prescription drug benefits, collec- chips over to a political party or tuition increases); we helped elect) with phone calls, tive bargaining rights, education, candidate that may or may not letters, rallies, and whatever else and health care. remain loyal to our agenda. • Prevent prescription drug re- it takes to make them do the Armed with this information, Our opposition reached new form and other efforts to make right thing. More on that later… union voters helped make the lows in their attempts to gain difference in many key races and control of the state government. prevented the corporate lobby- In the days prior to the Novem- ists from gaining control of the ber election, labor-backed can- state House of Representatives. didates in key races were tar- Operator Carl Jackson and I geted by nasty corporate-funded had the privilege of working full- hit pieces. time as Labor Neighbor field or- These dishonest mailings ac- ganizers, paid for by the ATU cused labor-backed candidates International, for about 10 weeks of voting to “let the state force leading up to the November elec- our community to house con- tion. Our job was to recruit vol- victed sex predators.” Although unteers, organize weekend all the candidates targeted with doorbelling in targeted districts, this mailing were Democrats, the and deal with the multiple orga- legislation referred to was prime nizational and political chal- sponsored by a Republican and lenges that emerged in the course passed the Legislature with bi- of the effort. partisan support. The Labor Council targeted dis- While the mail piece suppos- tricts throughout the state. Carl edly came from a group called and I worked in two of these, the “People for Honorable Represen- 37th LD in the primary and the tation,” it was in fact funded by 47th LD in the general election. United for Washington, a corpo- In the 37th district union vot- rate PAC with members such as ers helped to elect underdog Eric Boise Cascade, BP, Capitol One, Pettigrew, a labor-endorsed can- Kraft Foods, Microsoft, Phillip didate. Morris Co., PhRMA (the lobby- In the 47th LD, union voters ing arm of the pharmaceutical Labor Neighbor volunteers Bill Clifford and Daryl Estes return from doorbelling helped to defend the seat of Rep- industry), Puget Sound Energy union households in the 47th Legislative District. resentative Geoff Simpson, who and RJ Reynolds Tobacco. is a firefighter and a union activ- Why can’t these corporations ist. Simpson was targeted for be up front about who they are defeat by the Republicans be- and stick to the issues? If they cause he has a 100% pro-labor tell the truth voters will not sup- voting record. port them. So they hide behind He was viewed as extremely phony front groups to tell vi- vulnerable because of his slim cious lies about their opponents. victory in 2000, and because his And if these corporations told us district’s boundaries were re- the truth about their agenda, drawn in a manner that was ex- what would they say?? pected to benefit Simpson’s op- Well, it depends somewhat position. which corporation or industry Fortunately, Simpson won by you examine. But a little re- a healthy margin after a tre- search yields a long list of items mendous effort by hundreds of Corporate Washington has been union volunteers who visited and fighting for, including the fol- called thousands of union house- lowing: holds in the 47th. Unfortunately, two other labor-endorsed candi- • Protect corporate tax loop- dates in the 47th were unable to holes and an antiquated state unseat incumbents with very tax system under which the poor records on working family rich pay less and working issues. families pay more; Overall, Democrats increased Mia Segal and Craig Anderson enjoy a light moment after their doorbelling their majority in the state House • Privatization of public jobs; duties. 10 January 2003

President’s Report, continued from page 1

MV Transportation Scott Schell, meeting are as follows: 2003 Dues Vice President of Operations from 1) Metro will authorize five MV Headquarters Wael Elatar, (5) additional routes to be started by Financial Secretary Paul Griffin SPT Manager of Operations immediately. HE L OCAL 587 BY-LAWS PRO- clusion last year, there was no Darrin Brugmann, Supervisor of 2) Metro will support any nec- vide in Article VIII “Dues increase in highest paid repre- Laidlaw Call Center Jeff Kaeder, essary customer service training Tand Assessments”, Sect 1: sented pay rate as of January 1, and Supervisor of Metro Access that is necessary. “The dues for each member of 2002 for last years’ dues. Service Bob Sahm. 3) All route “templates” will Local 587 shall be based upon The lowest paid represented One of the complaints from be reviewed to insure lunchtime two (2) times the average hourly position is Customer Service members of both bargaining and breaks are built in. wage for represented employees Representative at Clallam units was the increase in the 4) The system parameters will in effect on January 1st of each Paratransit Services in Port number of rides they were being be checked. year. (The average hourly wage Angeles at $9.50 per hour. This expected to provide, with no in- 5) Dispatch will be informed shall be computed by adding the is unchanged from a year ago crease in time or drivers to do so. of the proper procedure to insure top hourly wage of the lowest and and will remain the lowest paid Bob Sahm explained that a huge lunches and breaks are given to highest represented job classifi- classification (at top step) as per increase in customers using Ac- operators. cations, and then dividing this our by-laws. cess service, along with imple- figure by two (2).) Any increase Summing and dividing by two mentation of a new policy that This group will be meeting in the dues based on this average yields $45.18 per member, per all trip requests would be hon- again next month. I extend my hourly wage will be subject to the month union dues. This applies ored, has put extreme pressure sincerest appreciation to the mem- approval of membership at the to all members at every employer on filling all service. This re- bers who participated and very regular January union meet- and job classification repre- sults in operators not getting professionally aired their griev- ings.” sented by ATU Local 587. their breaks and/or lunches. We ances and concerns. I also extend Our success in the last nego- As this sum constitutes an firmly made the point that this my appreciation to Bob Sahm, Jeff tiations, which includes equity increase in dues, this matter will is not acceptable. It is not ac- Kaeder, and the managers of SPT adjustments and C.O.L.A., be presented to the membership ceptable that any employee be and MV who listened, responded, brought the top hourly wage to, at the January cycle of meetings disrespected and treated rudely, and committed to implementing currently, $35.69 for Schedule/ for their approval, as per the nor is it acceptable that opera- improvements. Planners at Metro. As we had bylaws. Hope to see you there to tors be pushed to the limit. Regards to all, Be Safe not brought our 2001 Metro ne- discuss this and other pertinent The immediate results of this Lance F. Norton gotiations to a successful con- business.

The Vice President’s Report Your Job Security At Stake! Major legislative change will impact CDL By Vice President Glen Travis

ATU objected mightily, but to no cost you your CDL for life. The response to the Motor Carrier avail. same penalties apply where a Safety Improvement Act of 1999 The new penalties for non- CDL holder refuses to be tested (MCSIA) (Public Law 106-159, CMV convictions are the same for any drug or alcohol-related December 9, 1999,113 Stat. 1749). as the penalties for offenses com- offense. The Act provided for disqualifica- mitted while driving a commer- tion penalties on a CDL holder Glen A. Travis cial vehicle. Under the new rule, No Masking of Convictions who commits a serious offense S IF IT WASN’T HARD ENOUGH a CDL holder will be disquali- or Hardship Licenses while operating a non-commer- out there already! All fied from using their CDL for 60 States will also be prohibited cial vehicle, only after that person Aemployees required to days after a second conviction of from masking convictions of, or is both convicted and has had have a CDL will now have a new a serious traffic offense involv- issuing hardship licenses to, any his/her non-commercial dri- reason to be concerned about keep- ing a non commercial vehicle CDL holder who has been dis- ver’s license revoked, cancelled ing on the right side of the law. within a three-year period. It qualified or who has had his or or suspended by the state. De- Big Brother has imposed another goes even further for a third or her non-commercial driver’s li- spite the clear intent of Congress, rule to live by. If you have a CDL subsequent conviction, 120 days cense or privileges revoked, sus- the FMCSA is proposing strict (Commercial Drivers License) now of disqualification. pended or cancelled. And if you penalties for numerous convic- non-CMV (commercial motor ve- tions which do not necessarily re- What constitutes serious? aren’t worried enough already, the hicle) convictions will have sig- FMCSA will also be allowed to sult in such State or Local restric- nificant impact on your ability to The definition of serious cov- disqualify, on any emergency ba- tions on an individual’s non-CMV keep your CDL safe and intact. In ers a wide range of offenses. Se- sis, CDL holders who pose an im- driving privileges. plain English, convictions you rious violations include: minent hazard, a condition that The ATU voiced its opposition have while operating your presents a likelihood of death, se- to this rule in comments filed own personal vehicle on your 1. Speeding excessively (15mph rious personal injury, or substan- with the FMCSA last year. The own time could lose you your or more over the posted speed tial danger to the public. ATU International is currently job. limit). petitioning the Agency, along On September 13, 2002 this 2. Driving recklessly. Rule Not Retroactive with the International Brother- office received a memorandum 3. Making improper or erratic While this new rule becomes hood of Teamsters, the Trans- from our International Union lane changes. effective on September 30, 2002, port Workers Union and the Headquarters outlining the new 4. Following vehicles ahead too States will have until September Transportation Trades Depart- legislation issued by the Federal closely. 30, 2005 to amend their state li- ment of the AFL-CIO, to recon- Motor Carrier Safety Adminis- 5. Violating State or Local law censing laws and regulations to sider the rule. Possible legisla- tration (FMCSA). States will be relating to motor vehicle traf- trigger the new disqualification tive fixes are also being investi- required to disqualify a com- fic control (other than park- requirements. The new rule will gated. We will be kept updated mercial driver’s license (CDL) ing violations) arising in a con- not be retroactive, so CDL holders on any progress or developments holder from driving a commer- nection with a fatal accident. will not be further penalized un- regarding this issue. cial vehicle if they are convicted der this rule for non-CMV viola- Needless to say brothers and of certain serious traffic viola- The disqualification period tions committed before the effec- sisters, keep you drivers licenses tions committed while operating for a CDL holder convicted of a tive date. In addition, drivers will valid and drive safe out there. a non-CMV. This means you can drug or alcohol-related violation not be penalized for violations com- NO Tickets…don’t Drink and loose your CDL for tickets is- committed while driving a non- mitted before obtaining their CDL. Drive or be under the Influ- sued while driving your own ve- CMV is one year after the first ence of Drugs. This new legis- hicle. Disqualification will also conviction and life after a New Rule Opposed by the lation could cost you your job. be required following any con- second conviction! I hope that ATU International as And dust off your copy of 1984 viction for a drug or alcohol-re- is crystal clear to all members. while you’re at it. This over-leg- lated offense committed while If you have a DUI already on Contrary to Federal Law. islation is beginning to sound driving a passenger vehicle. The your record, a second one could This new rule was developed in familiar. January 2003 11

The Financial Secretary’s Report Grievance Arbitration Assessment

Paul Griffin by Paul L. Griffin

NCE AGAIN IT IS TIME TO bers employed by Metro the first discuss the Grievance half will be taken on the pay- OArbitration Assessment. check issued on February 13th …this year’s assessment is This is an annual event as re- and the second half will be taken quired by our ATU International September 11th. Each half will approximately $13.00 less than Constitution and Local Bylaws. be $21.53. For those members There is a separate presentation working at the smaller transit the assessment in 2002 and of all the Grievance/Worker’s providers the assessment will Compensation expenses by item- reflect their payday patterns. $43.00 less than in 2001. ized by member. The total of Just for the purpose of com- year 2002 expenses was parison and discussion this $170.718.45. As of the end of year’s assessment is approxi- December 2002 we had 3965 ac- mately $13.00 less than the as- issues that cannot be won. sounds complicated, however, tive members. Dividing and sessment in 2002 and $43.00 less For the sake of discussion, the with twenty-six paydays on a bi- rounding down to an even num- than in 2001. This is a reflection two Metro paydays when the weekly schedule there are two ber the Assessment per member of settling grievances sooner in assessment is taken are the “first that are out of phase. And this to be taken in the year of 2001 the process or for those that can- payday following a five Friday language, defining the “free” will be $43.06. This will be as- not be settled, the membership month where the fifth Friday is paydays, has served us well for a sessed in pieces. For the mem- is not approving for arbitration preceded by a payday”. This long time. 2002 Grievance Arbitration and L&I Assessment January 1 through December 12, 2002

Executive Board Officer Gross Wages Brice, Deborah L&I ...... 596.07 Reese, James L&I...... 526.22 for the following grievances in arbitra- Browining, Cynthia L&I ...... 513.73 Rostollan, Lynette (Feb 02)L&I . . . 24.54 tion: Burgess, Calvin L&I ...... 48.61 Russell, Nicole L&I ...... 864.30 Tanner, Frank Griev Arb ...... 397.94 Calija, Mark L&I ...... 484.98 Sanders, Terry (July 00)L&I ...... 0.74 Willie Fallis Griev Arb ...... 1,113.20 Carter, Annette L&I ...... 481.03 Schwartz, Claire L&I ...... 891.87 Kim Rochon Griev Arb...... 1,015.35 Farr, Corinne L&I ...... 396.54 Schultz, Margaret L&I ...... 24.00 Howard Greiv Arb ...... 324.13 Christman, James L&I ...... 3,217.93 Sheppard, Jenna L&I ...... 429.10 Total ...... 2,850.62 Clack, Betty L&I ...... 230.82 Sheppard, Maggie L&I ...... 0.00 Clark, Carolyn (8-1-00)L&I...... 30.54 Simmons, Ken L&I ...... 430.82 Detailed rank and file member gross Cole, Michael L&I ...... 356.45 Sloan, John L&I ...... 212.45 wages paid for the following grievances Cockerham, William L&I ...... 517.42 Taylor, Edwardo L&I ...... 0.00 in arbitration: Dailey, Terrence L&I ...... 1,152.90 Wagner, Jeff L&I ...... 528.51 Kim Rochon Griev Arb...... 267.88 Dalzell, Dennis L&I ...... 12.00 Washington, Paulette L&I ...... 153.01 Clifford Griev Arbitration ...... 292.91 Diehl, Robyn L&I ...... 1,068.63 Wells, James L&I ...... 1,015.45 Total ...... 560.79 Dizmang, Connie L&I ...... 141.99 Williams, Rogene L&I ...... 224.70 Total Payroll...... 3,411.41 Donalds, Catherine L&I ...... 993.35 Wilson, Diana L&I ...... 756.86 Duroe, Bill L&I ...... 464.00 Wilton, William L&I ...... 725.14 Total Grievance Arbitration Direct Ex- Eagan, Peter (7-22-00)L&I ...... 1.28 Winter, Jay L&I ...... 1,118.10 penses ...... 415.79 Edwards, Princess L&I ...... 36.00 Zabolusky, Gary L&I ...... 330.12 Legal & Accounting Fagg, Daniel(7-29-02)L&I ...... 1,603.39 Total Worker’s Compensation 49,673.31 Worker’s Compensation Gendron, Tammy L&I ...... 233.80 Lynch, John L&I...... 48.00 Howard, Shawn L&I ...... 1,276.35 Arbitration (Grievance) Loveheart, Frenchie L&I...... 312.00 Jeromski, Andrew L&I ...... 487.72 Becerra Griev Arb ...... 315.00 Lo, Jen L&I ...... 36.00 Gleason, Rick L&I ...... 1,750.10 Karpenko Griev Arbitration . . . . 3,105.00 Griffin, Ron L&I ...... 330.00 Guiton, Ray L&I ...... 157.36 Armbrister Griev. Arb ...... 15.00 Naylor, Terrie L&I ...... 271.25 Guyton, Ray L&I ...... 316.02 Bateman, Liza Arbitration . . . . 10,270.00 Germann, Lauren L&I ...... 48.00 Haskins, Mike L&I...... 914.23 Bateman/Queen Arbitration . . . 9,496.50 Folder, Janine L&I...... 491.84 Hebrank, Suzanne L&I ...... 179.69 Campbell Griev Arb ...... 1,431.36 King Linda L&I ...... 288.13 Jonez, Odelia L&I ...... 572.44 Clark Griev. Arbitration ...... 7,093.00 Cunningham, Fred L&I ...... 36.00 Koons, John L&I...... 1,714.12 Clack, Mario Griev. Arb ...... 153.50 Breazeale, Patsy L&I ...... 18.00 Kroh, Ted L&I...... 390.49 Clifford, Bill Griev. Arbitrtio . . . 4,290.00 Slisz, Peter L&I ...... 84.00 Loewes, William L&I ...... 36.00 Fallis Griev Arb ...... 22,546.50 Estrada, Becky L&I ...... 24.00 Lollie, Willie (5-31-01)L&I ...... 314.19 Gredig Arbitration ...... 2,867.50 Davis, Walter L&I ...... 84.00 MacFadden, Channing L&I ...... 60.00 Grigsby Arbitration ...... 285.00 Cotterill, Chuck L&I ...... 814.38 Mangan, Janice L&I ...... 36.00 Howard Griev. Arbitration . . . . 11,026.22 Boyd, Kellee L&I ...... 1,746.70 Mangiameli, Joe L&I ...... 36.00 Landon, Dean Arbitration ...... 0.00 De La Guardia, Maurice L&I . . . . 706.08 Mathis, Porter L&I ...... 756.79 McCormick Forfeit Arb ...... 11,167.86 Alva, Alfred L&I ...... 1,145.55 Mathews, Joe L&I ...... 0.00 McCormick, Kenny Griev Arbitrat1,909.00 Aragon, Francis L&I ...... 102.00 McGhee, James (4-23-02)L&I . . . . 150.85 Michael Stewart Arbitration . . . . 195.00 Atterberry, Ronald L&I ...... 78.94 McGraw, Michael L&I ...... 204.00 Rochon, Kim Griev Arb ...... 10,278.00 Bridges, Kathleen L&I ...... 2,422.89 McKinion, Booker L&I...... 1,073.13 Rochon, Mike Arb (Griev) ...... 2,100.00 Bader, Lynn L&I ...... 333.10 McPherson, Joyce L&I ...... 121.82 Rostollen, Lynette Arbiration...... 0.00 Barquet, Rickie L&I ...... 1,935.16 Miller, Deborah(July 02)L&I . . . . 109.08 Tanner, Frank Griev Arb . . . . . 17,824.50 Bascomb, Stanley L&I ...... 144.00 Miller, Jerene L&I ...... 242.39 Queen, Paul Arbitration ...... 30.00 Bateman, Liza(June 02)L&I ...... 36.54 Miller, Victor L&I ...... 1,218.55 Wood, Bobby Arbitration ...... 819.00 Beatty, Laurie L&I...... 117.56 Minerich, Richard L&I ...... 1,282.64 Total Arbitration (Grievance) . 117,217.94 Bellipanni, Cathy L&I ...... 419.05 Mitchell, Billy L&I ...... 2,713.94 Total Legal & Accounting . . . . 166,891.25 Berry, Brenda L&I ...... 115.67 Mobley, Paul L&I ...... 84.19 Total Expense...... 170,718.45 Boyd, Kelee L&I ...... 48.00 Palmer, Ralph L&I ...... 400.99 Net Income ...... -170,718.45 12 January 2003

Retirees’ The View from the Buses Corner By John D. Love

RECEIVED WORD FROM TOM AND are doing great. You know that City of Seattle, Employees Re- do (growing a beard), but Bill Mary Lile while they were The Sokols are the only people tirement System, 801 Third Whitley, the Station Master Ilaying over in Eugene, Or- that I know that sold their home Ave. suite 300, Seattle, Wa. allowed it. Jim worked the egon. They are on their way to in Shoreline at a garage sale 98104. Get your pen and pencils route 15 that ran from the the southwest, and are making before they moved to Morton, out and start writing letters. North Beach area to West Se- stops along the way for visits Washington. Larry Bark sent attle. I noticed in the P.I. dated with friends and relatives. It me a E-Mail telling me he would Binnacle List 10/24/02 that Victor Mroz appears that they will be winter- not be at the Supervisors and I have a very nice note from passed away on October 12, ing in California and Arizona Mechanics luncheon for Novem- Frances Bourassa informing 2002. Victor worked for Seattle most of the time. The Liles have ber as he was in the Southwest me that Cliff is having some Transit way back when, and traded their fifth wheel in on a where the weather was great. I good days and some bad days, went into the Service, spent newer one and it appears that had dinner with a group of She also shared with me a prayer enough time to retire and came they are happy with their trade. retiree’s at the Alki Homestead from people that are having a back to Transit after his dis- The Liles are very happy, but on the 22nd of November. The tough time remembering things. charge. When he returned he very tired RV’ers. food was excellent. I had never I received a note from Curtis was issued Badge number 8. On October 15th I had the plea- been there before and was im- Hicks that he will have a medi- During his time in the service sure of having lunch with Metro pressed with the lay out and the cal procedure performed on him his seniority continued. Vic was Transit’s Operators of the history of the building. The build- November 7. Sara Hicks later very active in the Marine Corp, Month. Once a quarter Metro ing is made of logs and is one sent a note to update us, Curtis serving in the various parts of has a luncheon to honor the Op- hundred years old. is responding to his treatment the world. He was the presi- erators of the Month. My wife and his Doctor is confident. I dent of the “Chanters,” a Nile and I were invited to the func- For Your Information heard from Jackie Armstrong Temple Choral Group. I re- tion by my son John C. Love I received several calls from and she informs me that she has ceived the sad news that Dor- (active). We were pleased when retirees wondering when we will spent some time in ICU at Vir- othy Dolan, widow of Warren the Master of Ceremonies called receive a COLA. I regretted not ginia Mason and would not be Dolan has passed away. She my son’s name and presented giving them the news they attending either the Local 587 had been on the sick list for him with a certificate recogniz- wanted to hear. There is one or the ARSCE Christmas din- several months. Dorothy was a ing him as the September Op- thing the retirees can do to en- ners. She wishes one and all the regular at the Tuesday morn- erator of the Month for North courage the powers that be to best during this holiday season. ing breakfast when we had Base. This was the second time grant a COLA, and that is to Don Cook called and told me them at the Yankee Diner in John had been named Operator start writing letters to the Se- that his Ethel had been laid up Ballard. My good friend Roy of the Month, last time was at attle City Council and the City with a respiratory problem and Moen sent me an article from Atlantic Base when Bob Stoehr of Seattle Employees Retirement was hooked up with oxygen, but the Seattle Times. It was the was Station Master, in about System and let them know that was improving. Keep Ethel in obituary for Art McMullen. 1985. It was fun renewing ac- the retirees need a COLA. I have your prayers. A note from Don Art was one of a kind. He quaintances with my former as- written letters to the City Coun- Zier revealed that he has had trained me to run the monorail sociates. Lance Norton, Glen cil Members, The City Of Seattle some medical procedures and is in 1967. He was the number Travis and Jennie Gil repre- Retirement System and the slowly returning to his former one operator in the Seattle sented Local 587. The Managers Mayor asking them to support a self. He has lost some weight but Transit system for all the years of Metro were well represented COLA. The retirees that retired is gaining it back. He is still that I knew him. Everyone re- by Harold Mann, North Base before 1998 are living in an under a doctor’s care. spected him and I think the Supervisor, Operations Manager economy that is no longer realis- public that rode the Monorail Curtis Robinson, and several tic. Seattle is one of the only TAPS with him trusted his ability for others that I cannot remember. large cities in the western United According to the October 2002 running the train. Art was 94 I have an e-mail from Vic and States that does not have a COLA News Review from Local 587 we years old when he passed away. Ann Kaufman, they have re- for the retiree. My suggestion to have lost a true and faithful He retired in September 1973. turned from a 7000-mile trip cov- the retiree is to start writing member of the retired commu- The world is the loser with Art’s ering all of the northern part of letters to these people and ask nity. Chuck Carlton passed passing. the United States and Canada. them to support a decent COLA away September 16th and Jim Our sympathies go out to They toured New England to see for the people that have made Horner passed away last May those families that have lost the change of the colors and had the City of Seattle what it is 15th. Chuck was very active with loved ones. We should remem- a visit with their kids in Bangor, today. The address for the City the retired members and will be ber that the survivors need sup- Maine. They spent a day with Council Members is: Seattle missed by the membership. I re- port in their time of sorrow and Lenora Stoehr and daughter City Council, 600 Fourth Ave., member Jim Horner as he we should extend that support Kim when they were retuning to Eleventh Floor, Municipal played Santa Clause for the chil- to the best of our ability. the Northwest. Building, Seattle, Wa. 98104. dren when Local 587 had their Keep in mind, if you have A note from Bob and The address for the City of Christmas program in the north news you want to share with Caroline Sokol tells me they Seattle Pension System is: end of Seattle. Jim even grew a others e-Mail me at— beard to be more realistic. In [email protected] those days it was not the thing to That’s all for now.

New retiree Dorothy Wade, seen in the questionable company of an obscure Mike and Marilyn Carr come every Lyle Patterson shared many lively transit celebrity. year to enjoy the camaraderie stories of his busdriving days. of their fellow retirees.